Yeah, I'm flummoxed on the shifter comments myself. I think it has plenty of positive engagement. The last 5 cars I've driven were an NB 6-speed, RX-8, NB 5-speed, FR-S, and BRZ. All of those except the 5-speed were Aisin-derived, basically the same unit with different ratios. They were all super precise, but very stiff when cold. The 5-speed was super smooth, but less precise.
IMO, the ND combines the smoothness of the NB 5-speed with the precision of the Aisin 6-speed. It has positive feedback, it just doesn't get all pissy when you wake it up too early.
I'm going to compare the throw length tonight. I will be surprised if the ND's is longer.