Drivers preference i guess. I like it as i rarely drive the car long distances. The one thing i did notice with the 4.7 is that i have to pull 3rd before 60 mph which is taking a bit of getting used to after going from the 4.4 box. The car is going on track eventually and we only have one over here unfortunately. But anyway theres alot of 2nd and 3rd gear corners (with the 4.4fd box) and the main straight is 95-100 mph max so this gearbox is well suited to that track in my opinion
What track do you mean Kirkistown? I have a very similar gearset on my EK4 track car and we are getting roughly 123mph down the straights on 5th gear limiter. You are right though all of the bottom end corners are 3rd gear
Mondello circuit near Dublin is another option and your car would be geared really well for it but you might want to trailer the car down to save the long drive in the civic