Eric
I am cautious about short shifters, as if they do not engage the gear properly then it can cause long term damage. 
The TRD shifter or 93+ is the only one I would use. I currently use a 93 Shifter on my rebuild Gen 3 E153 

Totally agree Eric, Unfortunately most of us had to go thru all the available after market shifters until you finally realise just how good the stock 93+ shifter actually are.  I'm with you all the way.

Z here. I'm not much into these short shifts, the son is young and still enjoys those extra add ons. If it lines up correctly there should be no issues with them at all. If your gears are making noises and clunking sounds as you shift into gears. Then you might wanna check that everything is adjusted correctly, after that is be thinking clutch or even worn gear synchro.
There have been many that have changed to a shorter shift with out any problems. So is less likely the shifter and more then likely if your having problems with one, you need to look in other areas for the underlying problems.
But I'll wait to see how it goes in the sons car, before I think of doing it as well. Although I don't find any probs with the stranded shifter. Took the round knob off, changed it for a stick lever. Looks better. Better feel when changing up or down gears. Also think if I was going to go to the hassle of all that id just go for a straight shift kit if there's one for these models cars available.
Z.

Hi Zeus Senior & Zeus Junior,
I have just sent an E-Mail to Junior with some pics of my old shift lever boot.
I do reckon that is better than yours.
I don't know what holds it up under the knob on the early lever with plain shaft. Others may know.

Thanks Zeus Senior,
I'm happy with your Castle quote.
Just for info about your thought to somehow upgrade the gear shifting mechanism, I have attached the shift lever & control cable page from BGB to show the whole arrangement.
There are lots of bits & pieces & plenty of things to wear & cause slop, but not much that is actually adjustable to make allowance for slop.
I also don't really see how it could be upgraded. When I searched the Forum in the last couple of days, I saw a post where someone who was obviously a hydraulics expert, was talking about trying to make a hydraulic shifting arrangement.
There didn't appear to be any follow up about any progress or result.
I have myself wondered if any of the people on this Forum, who are seriously into racing MR2s, have any input into improvements they have made to ensure they get good shifting.
Could I please ask Admin, or B24, or any others of the racing fraternity to give some input about what they have done.
Best Regards,