As to manual vs auto ... to each their own. The last 4 door that I had with a stick was my e39 M5 .... everything I had since never offered a manual and I miss it. Audi/MB etc (even my Ferrari FF) they are all auto now. For me to have stick I had to buy 2 doors (Lambo Diablo 6.0, C6 ZR1). I think it will be harder and harder to find in just about anything with meaningful power. M3 and 911 are about the only thing I know that is still stick with a bit of power. If I dealt with a lot of traffic, that would change my thoughts, but then I would buy and Audi RS6 Avant/RS7 or something like that with awd.
All that matters is that we all get what we want, just personal choice either way. Hope everyone enjoys whatever they get.