The throw is a little sloppy especially when downshifting from 3-2 sometimes. I want something with a firmer shift.

No worries, I won't be buying a B&M shifter. The Mustang community as well does not rate these shifters all that highly much like this forum as well. From what I gather, the skunk2 dual bend is the route and probably most expensive route to go?

 

you might want to remove your heat shields if you haven't already, because I guarantee that is whats rattling. I've got a B&M and I haven't had it rattle a single time in the 9 months I've had it.

 

Shifter bushings would be your solution.

 

something like this? http://www.robearracing.com/pd_energy.cfm

 

Oh and I forgot to ask, can I put the stock shift boot over the short shifter?

 

yes you can.

 

Neuspeed > *

 

B&M makes shifters for many makes/models, not limited to Honda/Acura like Skunk2. I think they're real popular among VW fans especially (as is Neuspeed of course).
Anyways, I have the B&M and have never experienced rattling. It is only a single bend though, not dual bend like the Skunk2, which requires less throw to shift.
I believe Skunk2's go for around 110-120, and I got my B&M with Energy Suspension bushings for 65 shipped off groupbuycenter.com.
It basically boils down to whether you want to spend the extra money and get the best one there is (Skunk2). Good luck!