One detail I forgot to mention in my OP was how I experimented with 1st gear downshifts around last summer. I seem to be only getting the very loud noise when I use SRM, plus there is the hesitation of going into first. I don't believe there is a lockout, otherwise we wouldn't be able to get into first at all, but more so just the syncros preventing the gear to engage due to the difference in rotating speeds of the input and output shafts. Last summer, if I remember correctly, I was able to smoothly engage first without the crazy noise by either rev matching or double clutching into first. Putting those 2 experiences together, it seems that SRM sucks for first gear.

or you're forcing the car to do things you normally wouldn't...like jamming it into first.

it slides in like "butter" as someone else said in a different thread when correctly rev matching or double clutching. it only feels forced when relying on SRM which i barely use anymore except when i'm stuck in heavy traffic or tired. as i said, it's not something i do for dd'ing.

As stated earlier......RACECAR!