A positive note:

Got under there and noticed the new kickdown linkage from Bouchillon was pulling back about 1/2" on the throttle valve pressure arm when at idle- way too tight.

Adjusted the bracket and the hard shifts have disappeared, as have the regular shifts. Wouldn't leave 1st.

Adjusted it toward the middle and it SEEMS like it might be happy. I can't take it out of the neighborhood though, which means I can't get it over 20mph to find out.