Ahhh
Congrats on getting broken in! So now you have a reason to make like an idiot out at the empty school parking lots on late weekday nights!
It does take a while to get used to properly quick-shifting a stick, and even more perfecting a launch, especially on stock tires. Thing is, rubber and suspension (including engine damping) do play a major role in getting those times up. And a lot of times it's based on your feel of the car. I believe you yourself spoke of rather having a rough ride and better traction than a soft cushy one that doesn't get any grip.
... so I guess I'm preaching to the choir then
