Hi Chris,
Sounds like you had fun despite the hiccups
Probably a faulty wheel speed sensor, but if it doesn't return all is good.
As for SMG you will learn to drive it, but it needs time. It took me a couple thousand miles until i came to grips with it. Basicly you need to drive it just like a manual and give it a bit of gas on the downshifts if you aren't driving fast. It smoothes out the shift.
Apart from the 2 to 1 shift.. that i never manage to get smooth