I can second this.
It is necessary to remember that the throttle is the means that you use to tell the car what you want it to do.
Inconsistant operation of the throttle results in the vehicle "waiting" for the driver to decide what he/she wants to do.
There is a learning curve. If you are flexible, and you work <i>with </i> it, you can learn to make the transmission do <i>exactly</i> what you want.
Generally, rapid and abrupt applications of the throttle will produce a rapid response.
A very slow and measured application of the throttle is an indication to the vehicle that a smooth takeoff or change of pace is desired.
A change from a slow, to a fast takeoff must be done decisively, or the vehicle will not respond as one might expect.
Example:
Driver begins slowly, car thinks this is a relaxed run
trans shifts from 1 to 2 and even possibly 3rd.
driver gradually (slow rate of depressing) applies the throttle, and more power is applied. As the vehicle is already in motion it is necessarry to drop down a gear. The transmission tries to do this smoothly, based on the previous inputs. The driver becomes impatient, opens throttle more and more rapidly, causing the car to (now) move away rapidly.
Another driver has learned when and how much throttle to apply to make the car behave as he wishes. He can have the vehicle accelerate smoothly, or he can have the vehicle accelerate smartly.
I compare this level of control to a manual transmission, as you can have a car that will behave either agressively, or extremely smoothly, the only variable being the use of the throttle.
I have always driven manual equipped cars, because I prefer to have control over what the tranny does.
I am considering an IS300, and it will be an automatic, because I can make the tranny work with me. I don't need a clutch anymore.
Thanks for anyone who has read all of this, I hope it made sense.