absolute

acutally i can shift pretty smooth at even 5.5k, all about clutch-gas timing, u gotta pop in the clutch right when u get off the gas..too soon and u'll rev ur engine, too late and ur car will drag

anyways back on topic, +1 depressing clutch...clutch always takes out the jerking/shuddering....

anyways if the car in front of u was braking and u didnt even have to use your brakes but can just slow ur car down with the gear, you can always clutch in pop it into 3rd clutch out and brake slightly

that would solve your problem too