More Newbie Questions...

[Racinfan83]

Now that I have driven this thing some more - and I feel like an idiot for posting this - there are some things that have me wondering and nervous.
I have driven MANY vehicles with manual transmissions - up to and including dump trucks and semis. So I think I have a fairly good idea how to drive one
This thing makes quite a bit of noise in first gear and reverse. Just sounds like gears - but I would think a car of this caliber wouldn't make gear noises? Is this normal?
Clutch engages rather harshly - in fact my wife commented that I didn't know how to drive it. I probably have a million miles in all different vehicles and construction equipment. I think I know how to drive. Is there a trick to smooth shifts with this thing?
Idles about 1400 and then will slowly drop down to about 800. Will almost die at normal idle when A/C clutch kicks in. Just had that serviced - so it isn't the A/C I don't think???
Car makes a rattling sound from underneath when I shut it off? Like a tinny plate kind of rattle?
Seems to have a minor oil leak somewhere on the passenger side of the engine - you can smell it when you are driving - but I can't see where it might be coming from? Ideas?

Just wanting to get an idea what is "normal" and what I need to look into further.... Thanks