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My two bobs worth (3rd Defender). Firstly, yes, it is what it is, a Defender.
Single biggest habit I got into is making all gear changes in a higher rev range ie. 2400/2500. It is a diesel...you need to stir them along - they actually like it. That solved 95% of the issue for me (the other 5% is the aforementioned Defender comment :p )
The only time it didn't work for me was in my current Td4. Was going to sell the bloody thing it sh#@ed me off so much. Turns out the handbrake drum was fractionally over adjusted and was constantly, slightly, slowing down the drivetrain so as you released the clutch it would clunck. Adjusted correctly all good again.
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the upshot is that any amount of backlash can be 'driven around' (managed by careful changes), or lived with... what is 'acceptable' is down to individual interpretation (you vs. LR service rep)
I believe that no one should have to put up with a problem that has to be managed by changing (compromising) driving style - you're using the product in an entirely normal manner - the designer/assembly person/ manufacturers local rep etc. should solve.
take it to LR
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I find that if you give the throttle a blip just before fully removing your foot from the clutch pedal, you can allways get a good gear change, and engage the last bit of the clutch pedal very slowly, it works for me I've got backlash and i can drive round it,
However they do drive nice when the driveline has no slack, but it just won't stay that way so live with it
