that is normal.
you need to change the fluid every 1500 miles.
UP shift faster, its going to sound like shit if you shift slow it was designed to allow you to shift faster, it will sound mechanical if you shift faster like a clink sound as it engages.
Now, depending on how the dog gears are cut, this will determine how you need to down shift. If the gear is back cut you can just get off the throttle and the gear box will immediately go into neutral, if it is not back cut it should stay engaged. Either way you will probably need to double clutch and stop grannie shifting like you should (had to) but seriously you need to double clutch to get it to match speeds.
Nice pick up I love the R32