I havent heard about the stop making of the 6 for a 5 speed. I have to disagree that if they went to a 5spd it would be faster simply because the gears would be wider and would take longer to get back into the higher lift cams. The 6spd doesnt even hit it in every gear but its very close.

Secondly Toyota is comming out with a wagon (in pair with Pontiac WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!!??) that will have the same 180HP and 6spd combo as the GT-S. If they were having problems I dont think they would expand the line up of the combo...just my opinion.

 

you can check out the gossip on www.celica.net
generally the people who are perpetuating the rumors actually work for Toyota. there is a link off the main page to a thread on the topic but if you look on their boards there are tons of threads about it.
ever since the car has come out ive heard people complaining about the gears. i think Toyota has just started listening and is going to try to do something about it. just my opinion.