MGW Shifter Installed

I've heard people talk about the shorter throw on the MGW compared to the Tri-ax but the time I parked my friends car for her the MGW seems to almost change the location of the whole shift pattern. What I mean is, on the Tri-ax 1st gear is toward the driver and up (the shifter is slanted toward the driver). With the MGW 1st seemed to just be up and further away from the driver. While in 1st gear in my friends car with the MGW it looked like it was in neutral it it were back in my car with the Tri-ax. Hopefully this makes sense to at least one person!!!
 
When I forst got my MGW I had no idea what gear I was in. The shifting pattern was so close I would let out the clutch real slow just in case I was in the wrong gear and the engine started revving real high. I've only had a couple people briefly drive my Mach, and they were confused and shifted cautiously too. :D