Yeah, that's how I usually solve the reverse problem. I did some more research on the 1st gear problem. Sounds like you have to wait a moment after depressing the clutch for the tranny gears to "spin down":
http://www.drivewerks.com/Newsletter/vol-5.htm
Are there any clutch adjustments that I can do to minimize the problem?
Also, does Redline 75W90NS, http://shop.store.yahoo.com/subarustore/red75gearoil.html, really help speed the synchro process? Sounds like snake oil to me.