I had to grab mine while it was hot for the first time, a week ago. Wasnt too bad, but glad its not my daily that would get old in a hurry. I can live with it, I love titanium.
a short shifter in general is not necessarily better. ebay shifters suck. they shift notchy and break after usage. the skunk2 is steel and has a lifetime warranty. its a shorter shift and its very smooth. i love it.