I agree with the previous comments about people riding the clutch at junctions or in jig-jog traffic. Sometimes it can't be helped (as I've found) in slow moving traffic, as stopping, applying the handbrake, waiting for the vehicle in front to (crawling below walking pace) move enough ahead to be able to full engage first gear will often allow enough of a gap to encourage some idiot in another lane to jump into the gap, and as a consequence, also encourage (if it happens more than once) drivers behind to get annoyed or worse.

This is the reason I was considering a TC auto when I was looking (now aborted) to replace my current manual car - first gear in my Mazda3 1.6p mk1 is often very fierce (even when the car is fully warmed up) and control below 5mph without slipping the clutch is often tricky (the dealership cannot see any problems) as it wants to race away. Other gears are fine.

I still suspect its could be an issue with a sticky throttle body plate and/or (less likely, but possible) dirty MAF sensor - unfortunately the dealership doesn't want to entertain 'just' cleaning both, probably because its far less financially lucrative than replacing the parts. Both are (on my model variant, far better on the 2 ltr version) are difficult to get to for the less DIY-minded and I won't trust an indie to do the work unless they are highly recommended (for competency) by more than one person I trust locally.