These transmissions have a throttle cable to control shift points (governor pressure), and a vacuum modulator to control shift feel (line pressure). You have an economy gauge pointing about midway which would indicate lower than normal vacuum, but that would result in harsher shifts instead of softer shifts, all else being normal.

Morning sickness type transmission problems in my experience are due to hardened internal seals in the transmission. The 722.3 transmissions have O-rings in the K1 and K2 clutch drums that also fail. Some overhaul kits (usually the aftermarket ones) have the O-rings and screws to allow replacement of the O-rings by drilling out the rivets holding the O-ring retainers and reinstalling screws in place of the rivets. Otherwise you'd have to get new clutch drums from the dealer ($$$).

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Erich Loepke
2010 Ford Focus
Currently Benz-less