In my experience (age 65) I would have to say this above is probably the operative statement of your post. "Serial number one" of anything new, whether it be a new computer operating system (Windows 8?) or a new generation truck, etc. often puts the buyer in the uncomfortable position of beta-testing the manufacturer's latest brain fart in the retail channel without benefit of due compensation. In other words, paying for the privledge of getting something before all the bugs are worked out.

Nobody in their right mind buys a full-sized pickup truck with fuel economy in mind - it is what it is and will always be half to one-third that of what you could have had with one of the miniature wind-up cars with door handles that can serve double duty as casket palls when it gets hit. Ergo, why all the fuss over an 8-spd tranny?
.