I love the low gearing. I can happily drive at 30 in 5th. I use 4th for 20 mph speed bump areas, provided it is flat, and 3rd for roundabouts. I also block change, seldom using 4th either going up the gears or down.
I have the ubiquitous gearbox whine (lower gears, especially on the over run - sound like an old truck with a straight cut gearbox), but as they happily run for ever like that I have no thoughts on changing it.
I make plenty use of the DFCO, seldom braking if I can avoid it, and that helps push the mpg up. Found that about 55 mph on the open road (2,500 rpm to be precise), gives the best cruising mpg.
Since getting the car, a year past July, I have averaged 53.9 mpg, with an average of 56.7 mpg over the last 6 months.
My journeys consist of 2 x 4 mile trips each weekday, and an 80 mile journey every Saturday.