Shifting at about 2.5k's is my preference. Double clutch and rev-match whenever shifting down.
As for 1st gear until 35mph, that's just crazy, and really is an extreme.
I use all the gears going up, but generally when coming down, if I want to stop a little easier, I'll skip from 5th to 3rd. Also in the winter, with snow and ice, I'll usually start in 2nd gear ... so much better traction.
As for launching ... I may be wrong but doesn't wheel spin = less traction = slower launching.
