Shoulda said also that the throw and feel of the shifter never changes, hot or cold. Just the crunchiness-factor...

 

car has 3k miles on it (2014 mazda 3) and the shifting seems better. it is normally 100% once driven about 20 minutes at least. the hotter the better. i really thinks its just a fluid issue. they use some fluid that is "lifetime" i hear. I think the break in is helping it to. the dealer says they drove 3 other cars on the lot and they all drove similar or shifted harder. good luck