New A4 stiff shifting manual when cold

[Dan Kasha]

Seems this group has the technical know how ...

I have a 2000 A4 quatro with a 5 speed stick and the 1.8T (great car).  One thing, when the weather is cold, and the car is in
motion, the shifting up or down into second gear, or down to first is extremely stiff.  This lasts for a good ten minutes until
things warm up.

Reminds me of when I once put non-synthetic gear oil into a car I had, but I know that Audi should be using synthetic already.
I understand that other with a4's have had this problem, and i am wondering:

1) Is this common?

2)  Has anyone done anything to improve it?

3)  Can it cause long term damage?

Though on warranty, I like to research problems and history before I let the dealer do their experiments.
Thanks
Dan