I have noticed the delay on my '11 35d, but only after long stops.
For example, there would be a long hill at the bottom of which I need to turn left (therefore almost stopping). I would be coming up to the turn, at ~5mph, then stomp on the gas, and there will be this painfull long delay before the car lunges forward. Very uncomfortable if there's another car in the lane which you are trying to cross.
I have heard somewhere that transmission is used to help braking, and the lag is the time needed to switch.
I would gladly give up the lag for slightly longer stopping distance...