The dead spot in second gear is done to meet noise and emission regulations. Not fun, but can be corrected with a flash, But it’s easily overcome but not granny shifting into second. Rev 1st out to 9k and you’ll never come close to hitting the dead spot in second. My first gear goes up to 64mph, 80 something for second and 3rd tops out at 100mph. Also 3rd will accelerate faster under 5k than 2nd so you could always just shift up.