You are right.
Not sure of the RPM level to go around it.
Here is a thread you recently started...I gave you a link to be able to get rid of the skip shift.
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=484860
Skip shift basicly is a fuel save mode. The car has enough torque to pull you ahead with traffic in 4th gear from 20 MPH....so why use a higher RPM band.
Getting rid of the skip shift was the FIRST thing I did to mine.
There is a little light on the dash. Lower right hand side of the gauge cluster. When the car won't allow you into 2nd, the light should be on.