You might make a better case about the TV remote, but your question makes me wonder who's allowed to touch my wife's gynecologist's Pantera

Your car should start in first gear from a full stop every time. If you feel the downshift while coasting or braking to a stop, check that the bowden cable is set properly. Also check that your VCV is sending enough of a vacuum signal to the transmission at idle and low engine speed. At least 15" Hg, preferably closer to 20" Hg.

I have the opposite idling problem sometimes. The idle will 'stick' at 8-900 rpm as I slow to idle. Blipping the pedal once or a few times gets the idle back to ~650 rpm.

I don't think it will help but you might clean and lubricate the throttle linkage.

Sixto
87 300D