The Dark Wob

That sounds like it wants the filters cleaning, holding the gear is normalish, clunking into second isn't. Does it only do it when cold?
It doesn't require some special cold rolled on Virgin thighs Mazda only oil does it? Certain boxes do.....

I think it does want the filter cleaning as the overdrive actuation is hit and miss, toggling the o/d switch sometimes helps but it often slips out again.
(In related news the Volvo isn't kicking down).

The sticker under the bonnet mentions a Mazda specific oil for the gearbox, but standard ATF for the steering. So maybe there's a difference...

I've also discovered that in order to drain the gearbox, you have to remove the sump.

Oh no. I know someone's been in there already...

When's the last time anyone remembers reading a (non-Land Rover) thread about a defective manual gearbox?

John F wrote: ↑Tue Jul 16, 2019 1:29 pm When's the last time anyone remembers reading a (non-Land Rover) thread about a defective manual gearbox?

About ten years ago when I misindexed my Bonnie last time I built it...

I think that Dean's C15 may have a dodgy gearbox.
There's also a 205 for sale on the beige with no synchro on 2nd.
Overall though I agree with your sentiment.

Happily there's nothing wrong with the gearbox in my c15 van. The horrible noises were a knackered driveshaft and a rough wheel bearing too.

That's good news.

My trike always graunches going into second. Weak synchro maybe. Always done it though and it's got no worse.

VW polo gearboxes lose 5th gear. It's a well known issue and happened to the wife's 2000 version.

John F wrote: ↑Tue Jul 16, 2019 1:29 pm When's the last time anyone remembers reading a (non-Land Rover) thread about a defective manual gearbox?

Renault traffic, Vauxhall's and the other vans based on the same pattern have gearboxes that are made of special high density chocolate and hence are service items at between 60 and 100k intervals..