Maybe take the stripes off entirely if you can't get replacement in timely manner. Of course, hopefully the dealer discloses the transportation damage to the buyer.
Great choice. Love the color.
You're right, shifting into 2nd can be a bit notchy. I do prefer the shifting quality in my Civic Type R, but the Z is not bad.
Agreed, it's more of a "feel" thing. When it's time to shift, it just feels right. And I don't mean redline everytime, although I did have that mindset in my prior less torque equipped cars. This one has plenty of torque and move at low rpm so you can shift early.