If they look fine, they probably are. Plants show water stress by wilting, and they can recover after that. If they aren't wilting they aren't seriously stressed.

I think it takes a year to establish a good root system. I planted some first year perennials that I bought as six packs at the Tilton Agaway. I was surprised to see some bloom this year but they are still very small plants.
OTH I transplanted sage, tarragon and other herbs to a bed that got a nice layer of compost last fall and they have gotten huge.
It may depend on how big the plants were in the first place and how much root they already had. The tiny echinacea that almost died in a flat looks healthy but may have only put out a couple of new leaves. Two large perennials(purple leaf/late blooming - can't remember the name) look like they've grown a lot (but no flowers). If the plant is small I think it may have to put all its energy into making roots. Next year you'll see it increase in size.