Interesting to read all this.
I tested the CX-5 automatic and enjoyed the test drive in manual mode. The shift was smooth and better than my '08 bimmer in manual mode. But I guess for day to day drive, driving in manual mode doesn't really make a lot of sense - if one wants to shift all the time, might as well get a real manual. It sounds to me that the automatic shifts to high gears too soon too often, so various situations often demands multiple downshift, and in some cars the downshift may be harsh.
I'd certainly wait for the 2.5 unit to see how things turn out. My '02 CR-V has 160HP with a 4 spd auto and handles traffic quite well, so the CX-5 should get a bit more power for the American roads. An eco mode would be helpful too.
Waiting for the 2.5 unit probably wont help because of the number of gears in newer transmissions. Multiple gear downshifts will be the norm. I expect because of folks like the OP the norm will soon be CVT's because of how hard some people are on their transmissions. They expect to crawl down the onramp then hit lightspeed right at the merge. Notice it was mentioned how many cars the OP owned... 200?? Comeon that's a warning sign right there.