Congrats on the new bike, sounds cool!

No a big deal going 9 instead of 10 speed, we have both and although I wish everything was 10. 9 speed stuff will still be around, but 10 is fairly standard now. What a 10 gives you over a 9 is tighter gearing, so the gears are spaced closer together. This then lets you stay in the correct gear for you, the type of riding, etc...

If you are jumping 2+ gears at a time, you are not shifting enough. Maybe because of the bar end shifters that Grant likes to use, but ideally you should shift as need and when needed. I know mashers that will slug up a him in the same gear they started in. I assume you are getting STI shifters, you'll be shifting with ease in no time.

Enjoy the new bike!