As far as doing damage I think you are fine. I have seen a bunch of people on the trails let some of the smoke out. Chrysler specifically says not to start in 2. Yes I read the whole
damn manual. please dont pull my man card. ha. I know its tempting as I have done it a few times. First does rev out pretty quick...... Here is the other option. Get bigger Tires.
It will make first seem a bit more friendly. I baby it on road so that when I am offroad I will have the best possible equipment to have fun.
As for problems. It has to be a fair amout of complaints. I would say that it cant hurt to go on the record with the dealership. that way you have a track record, and they will be less likely to bock. IF they try to say it is wear and tear you'll be able to say that its been a ongoing issue.

 

I've used the hill assist off road. It works great, My only complaint on the standard is needing 3 feet on steep climbs off road. This feature takes care of it. This is my 13th jeep and 10 manual jeep.

I love the feature, I just need to learn how to use it properly.

 

+1 ..........it's hard to tell if your at 2.8 degrees or 3.2 degrees. So I have trouble antisipating when it's active. That sounds like a good mod. I dash light that lets you know. If there is
one I haven't noticed. Anyone else?

 

Now thats an idea...

And as far as I know, starting out in 2nd gear won't hurt much. The manual also says to only fit 255/75/17 SRA's and not to spin your wheels over 25 mph in mud...so I'll take my chances. I will have traded my JK in for a the new 2015's when they come out before my warranty runs out anyways.

Does anyone have any specifics or experience with problems from starting out in 2nd?

 

Starts in 2nd fine

 

Ya. I hear ya. I am just trying to be a bit nicer to this one. I drove my 03 like I stole it. My last wheelin trip at the coast I had my front end 2 ft off the ground. Well thats what my buddies said. I bottomed out fairly hard. Of course the was the last thing I told the dealer as I was about to drive away with my 2012. I laughed all the way home.