I'd say you're probably too new to be puttying too much worry on the Cross to first pair transition. Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong advocate of working on recognition situations long before you're ever "due to," because it certainly helps in the long run.
How well can you do the cross in 8 or fewer moves? 99%, 75%, 50%, etc.
How fast is your F2L only (not including the cross)?
I suggest doing this (since you're so fresh): When learning to build a cross, find a way to make/preserve an F2L pair while solving the cross. Rowan Kinneavy gives 3 examples of this in
this thread. Most of the time (especially if Opposite Neutral, something you should go ahead and work on as well), you can still do this in the 6-8 "optimal moves" if you just pay enough attention. Note: You don't have to have the F2L inserted in the correct slot (that's actually called x-cross). All you need is for it to make/preserve a pair (sometimes pairs are already built, you just need to not destroy it while making the cross). The pair can be in the wrong slot, inverted (pointing to U instead of D), or even ready for an RUR' type insert. It doesn't matter, but this not only tells you exactly where your first pair will be, but often you'll notice other corners will be easily tracked in U and you'll have an easier time spotting the 2nd pair. This boosts my F2L by 2s or so whenever I successfully do this.
