I ran through the gears this morning and do see what you are talking about.

The roads are wet today but still, there is a slight (half second) delay when shifting to 2nd that I never noticed.

Maybe this can be adjusted via the Bowden cable? My understanding is that this will only help if the shift is at a lower than redline point. This thread may provide some information and insight to the transmission's behavior? 500E Transmission Woes?

Does anybody think this might help?