Didn't really find much difference with CDV removed either. It bites a little harder, but it doesn't 'transform the car' by any means. Smooth 1-2 shifts are definitely possible with or without CDV. Whenever I screw it up I chalk it to driver error. Usually when I'm wearing sandals
gas pedal is pretty sharp with sport mode on
On topic, I'll take off from 2nd if I'm going downhill, if I haven't completely stopped, or if traction is really low at the moment