Re: First to second gear
no it should never "smooth out" (well you should hope it doesnt, if it does its due to wear)
its a case of getting used to doing a smooth change.
i had the same problem when i first drove a semi-auto, and it took a bit of getting used to. it put me off buying one.
i've spoke to many people with the same problem, and the general concensus is you should not accelerate during gearchange, especially beween 1st and 2nd, in the same way you would drive a manual car.
i've never come across a problem with the transmission that could cause this. to put your mind at rest, try driving another car the same as yours, if you ask your dealer nicely they should let to you.