2007 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 transmission problems

I acquired my jeep wrangler (manual transmission) in january of 2007, shortly thereafter it started popping out of 1st gear. At first it was just once or twice a month, it has progressed to a point where it was doing it 4-6 times per day. At first I thought that I was not engaging it properly, but I've subsequently tried to hold it in 1st gear and it forces itself out of gear so hard that it almost broke my wrist. I've noticed that it pops out more upon low to medium acceleration.

When in first gear, the gear bangs and locks-up. This normally occurs when just starting across an intersection after being stopped at a red light. This is extremely dangerous, as another vehicle could rear-end me, or I could be hit while making a left turn across an intersection. This has happened 3 times to me now. The latest time was today. I have researched this problem and other jeep wrangler 6-speed owners are having the same problem with little help at local dealerships.