The 1500rpm start is fine, but I've been shooting for the 1100 mark instead. Really depends on if you're going uphill (go for more rpms then). 1st gear in the Z can be jerky, so just get used to it.
When stuck on a small hill I like to play with my clutch and rock with the music to pass the time. Gets you a better feel for where your engauge point is, but I'm sure it does put unneccessary wear on the clutch.
There have been many times where I just hold the gas and clutch just right to keep the rpms about 1k and not move while on a hill waiting for the cars in front of me to move. Anything to fight the monotony