[MetroMPG]

First suggestion: get digital MPG instrumentation. ScanGauge or equivalent.

You need trip-level MPG feedback. You sound like the kind of person who would make good use of it.

As for the shift points recommended in the manual - I'd be willing to bet they're not ideal, in terms of maximum fuel economy.

Your drive time sounds pretty ideal, since you're dealing with minimal traffic. What's your commute like? (Sub/urban? If highway/freeway, what speeds?)