For me, all the things you have pointed out on the trans I have/do experience. It really bothers me how slow the trans shifts. I did not expect it to shift like a double clutch setup, but this is a ST. Now, with that being said, I hope Ford comes out with a fix for the noted items you covered. It is a new design done in house by Ford, but they should have done better. This does not mean I am not satisfied with my ST, but I am patiently waiting for Ford to get it together.
Also, I have installed a tune from Livernois with one of the things that company did was to improve the shifts. They are doing small changes to the trans at a time as it is a new design. It does show improvement and there should be updates from Ford and Livernois in the future.
I like Fords, always have and all of the the above is just my opinion, others my have a different view.