When cold, if I tried rushing the 1-2 shift (basically shifting like I normally would) it would resist. With the Motorcraft fluid that is all but gone.
I've used Lexol for a long time, might be better stuff out there but I tend to stick with what I know. I have read about some kind of cream that is good to use if your leather is really dry, can't recall the name though.
I see I neglected to answer your question about mileage. I'm close to 90,000.