Paul, I think you'd better pop round.... the only way to solve this is to let me take it out for a spin!
No, seriously, my 996 is similar although I'm sure not as extreme as your sps (you elitist, you!) cos mine's just a tuned up BIP. I'm still getting used to how the throttle kicks in and i've done about a thousand miles! But it's coming together.
I did wind my tickover up a little, as Rattler suggests and it seems to have stopped the stalling problems.
Just practice mate, it will come to you. I was thinking I'd made the wrong choice shortly after I bought mine but after riding it plenty and taking it on track I'd happily marry it now!!