Finally got the new TSB transmission control unit and AC blower fan casing installed.

My opinion, if anyone cared:

The new TCU: Improved shifting from 1 to 2 (that was the whole point, right?). Not a miracle cure, like I gather Don's VB upgrade is, but LOTS cheaper (sorry Don). After driving stick for 6 years, I'll probably never be fully satisfied with an auto.

The new AC blower fan casing: Quieter, although the sound is still there. Not nearly as noticeable, though. I guess I'll just have to keep the stereo on all the time (which I normally do anyway). I got this fix because I figured the sound was being made by the fan hitting the casing, and I didn't want the fan motor to burn out due to the extra wear. I believe in preventative medicine whenever possible.

I'll trade any day the sound of the blower motor for all the creaks and ticks that everyone else is complaining about in the dash and a-pillars and door panels (I don't have any of those symptoms, fortunately).

My $.02.