Jimmy G - I haven't heard anyone recommending people not to use the AP 4 paddle, only if they're planning on building a car that'll serve as a traffic/commuter car matey. They certainly haven't said anything negative about it in all the chats I've had with them In the scenario you go through above, it selects gears fine, as it is at idle, but once on the move, the resistance returns.

Rus - Gearbox mounts are Vibra-Technics Comp (i.e. the hardest) mounts, and were brand new about 5,000 miles ago. Both are still in tip top condition. The engine mount is 6,000 miles old, and a recent trip to the rolling road at SCC showed there to be very little engine movement, even when hitting the hard cut limiter at full throttle/6,500rpm.