If I decide to go with a new shift knob, pwjdm is probably the one I will go with. Just wish they would make a rear difusser and some brake cooling ducts!!!! That is neither here nor there though. On topic, their shift knobs do look pretty legit.
And just for quick reference on the help spring here is a link for the removal if anyone is curious and doesn't want to search:
Clutch pedal too soft/no feel? Remove the helper spring!
I am thinking about pulling it later this week once I get the car back from the shop for some warranty work and see if this helps to improve anything in my shifting. I doubt it will help with the 1 to 2 shift, but I am at a loss on that one. I think I remember reading something about maybe having Nissan check and making sure the gates are aligned properly, but my memory could be failing me as well.