Great write up. I felt the same way as you on a lot of these items, especially the roads in Mass. The shifting I addressed by going to a short throw Barton shifter, best I have tried. And the head lights, I didn't care for the halo look, I wanted something like my 69 camaro. So I got a set of HID from BFXENON and they are fantastic. I have gotten use of the doors by just sucking it up and parking away from everyone else. My wife says I need the exercise anyway, I'm not letting her drive my car for awhile.
I still love my Camaro even with a few quirks. The permagrin Lives !
Now If the snow will melt in New England I can get those winter tires Off !