@zippee
I experienced poor shifting as parts started wearing out on my car. Things became noticeably worn out and are pretty easy to identify. Throwing new parts at it provided immediate results.
The clutch throw-out bearing is one of the first things I'd change out, if it hasn't already. I'm on my third throw-out bearing at 130,000 miles. I was getting grinds going into gear, shh-shh and tapping or vibration noises - all from this bearing. Here's a sound clip of my engine from over a year ago exhibiting noticeable tapping sounds before I took my car into the dealership for the engine / spring recall and had a new clutch throw-out bearing put in:
https://voca.ro/1iC9k45HPQoS
The other part I think wears too much is the transmission mount. It is too soft, and after lots of miles and hard driving it gets sloppy, and the transmission / drivetrain bangs around and makes 1st-2nd gear shifts HELL. Either get a new transmission mount, or get a Whiteline "positive shift kit" which will reduce this movement. Huge improvement in shift-feel.