Considering all this talk of shifting.... I know on Elantras many owners do what they call the "Clutch Valvectomy". Basically, there's a restrictor orifice in the hydraulic clutch that prevents abrupt shifts. No matter how quickly you let out the clutch pedal, the orifice prevents a sudden clutch engagement. I'm not sure if they put this in for ease of shifting or because they knew the revs would hang or what, but it keeps the clutch from engaging all at once. Allowing only a slow engagement, though, can increase clutch wear.
So many Elantra owners simply
remove the restrictor orifice to provide more control over clutch engagement. I am not 100% positive the Spectra has the same piece, but if it does, removing it can improve the shift feel of the car and increase the clutch life.