I called GMC Customer Center last night and reported this HVAC quirk, so they have a case open. I explained that it was posted several times in an online forum and the lady acknowledged it is an issue.
I have noticed mine starts of fast on first startup, then when everything boots up, there is a 1-2s cutout of the audio (this is not new, this cutout has been around since day 1), but that cutout corresponds to the time when the HVAC goes slower. Only fix to get the HVAC back to what I consider Normal operation is to adjust fan w/ the fan speed knob, then hit auto again. Makes no difference if I turn the fan speed knob slower or faster, just have to adjust it out of automatic mode.
Have also noticed the auto cooled seat fan speed seems to be not quite behaving correctly either...but; need more time to properly diagnose these symptoms to see if they correlate.