yeah they did screw it up.......and even on the newer models (i have an 03 type s) and it's still messed up. Mine only happens at redline which isn't so bad but some guys have hard grinds throughout the rev range.
I'd still recommend the s...the performance and style are great and it responds really well to mods. And, hopefully with a quick fix i.e. short shifter the grind should cease. It's all up to you though. Oh...btw...most of thiese grind problems seems to diminish once you put dome miles on the car it's only a few (like me) who have it persist.