it happens perhaps because the path to 4th gear isn't straight back, its kinda on a slant outward. at least on my car. also perhaps sometimes its that the syncros, havnt allowed the shift. perhaps because of wear or inadaquiet fluid being used. through experience i can say that the 4th gen trans is ok, but it is weak. the trans should be shifted precisly for best performance, which would eliminate sloppy fast shifting. and even then, the trans will only last so long before a gear is wasted. so its not to bad, but there is a price to be paid for high performance driving. my experienced with low strip use has resulted in 2 trans shop visits, 1st time was for gear replacement along with a shaft and syncros, and 2nd time was for the replacement of the differetial. of course bearing and seals were replaced also. these visits were first at 40 k miles and then at 55k miles. we must remember that the trans is not intended for high performanxce racing in mind, especially because the majority of them have peg leg differentials. so if you want to play, you will have to pay. good luck and race at the track.

 

3rd is the one that's most tricky and easiest to miss because of it's position and it's travel path. You're kind of pushing the shifter at a 75% angle.. and with the shifter being where it is in 2nd gear, it's probably easier to miss 3rd than any other gear,, unless you find the most comfortable position for your hand and get used to the travel path..
I used to occasionally miss 3rd with quick shifting but I got far better at it with practice and the way that works for me is - put your open palm directly behind the shiftknob.. and wrap it with your thumb, then move your hand straight up and out..

But i think you should just find your own position; one you find most comfortable and stick with it..

also..
I don't know how you can miss 4th gear

 

yes, if i ever miss a gear, its that f'ing 3rd gear, 4th gear is the easiest for me...that STS allows for a nice quick throw from 3rd to 4th

AND I HATE THROWING IT TO FIRST when i'm moving, some times i get too much resistance, sometimes i dont

 

On the majority of cars, you have to double-clutch to get into 1st UNLESS you're at a standstill or almost at a standstill (moving < ~3mph).

 

Exactly. Even though the path from 2nd to 3rd is not a straight line, you must shift straight forward.

The problem comes when you try to shift at that 75deg angle.

 

i miss my 6 sp. manual diesel

 

i have a 99 with USIM, and i was staying in 3rd gear. i trapped a high of 95mph. this is with intake only. none of my traps were lower than 93mph.