I've never had ECM couplers give trouble, they are well sealed and probably behind the voltage regulator under the RH rear wheel arch. The shift motor on a ten year old bike is likely to be worn or dirty inside. Take a look at some of the other postings about ES troubles, there is a good one about cleaning the motor out. All ES Hondas seem to use the same motor system, though the linkage to the gears differs from model to model.