At first I didnt notice anything except for the loss of passing gear at 70mph+ and yes at first I smelled raw gas too, but now I dont notice the gas and the car does shift much harder (TCM must be learning). A switch is a good idea, this is similar to the TQ lockup mod in that you only want it working sometimes.
Im gonna rig up a box with TQ lockup/Torque reduction and autostick buttons. The Torque reduction button would work good with the autostick causing the gears to stay where they are instead of the tcm bumping you down into 3rd for passing.

and yes with a higher stall TQ/shift kit ,autostick, high enegry rebuild kit , this mod and the TQ lockup mod these trannies could be fun for once. :cheers