I tried adjusting my GS gear lever but couldn't get enough space between the footpeg and lever so I bought a Touratech adjustable job. Gear changes are now a piece of cake, you don't get a lot of feel but you get used to it.
My Tech 8's are rigid for life I reckon but as I said before I find em really comfy. They give me loads of confidence and support, for example when stopping at lights and putting your foot down it feels like planting a tree. I'm not the biggest or tallest GS rider and these boots really help. As for the size to get, I'm usually a UK8 so I bought a US9 which is the norm.