[VolcanicF54]

If you did decide to brave a main dealer visit then you'd probably be met with their well-practiced "they all do that Sir" response. Possibly accompanied by a free smile provided you've got a monthly service plan.
If you're new to your Cooper S then based on my experience you'll get used to it, but you're right in that it is an odd old gearshift which wouldn't win any awards unless there was a "springy and notchy" category.
7 years in and my shifter still retains the capacity to surprise, a bit like finding 100 yards of pothole-free tarmac.