Originally Posted by Thirteendog
Come on, how much quicker is it to keep both hands on the steering wheel, pull the paddle and you're already in the next gear before you blink?
I think I'm finally understanding though, change is a hard thing to accept. You spent your life learning the inner workings of a manual transmission. You know what happens when you push the clutch, what happens when you move the stick into another slot, and what happens when you release the clutch.
I can understand not wanting to learn new technology, or having something taken away from you (clutch pedal). I see this sort of mindset all the time, some people think computers make life more difficult. Most of these people don't have the willingness to learn how to use them to enhance their lives or experiences.
I think the point that the OP is trying to make is that sometimes technology takes the fun out of the experience. I just spent the last week driving a 2005 500HP Vette with a six-speed that had me grinning like a 6yr old. I did burnouts that would make a top fuel driver jealous.
Do you really want a car that takes the skill out of driving it? What about a car that manages acceleration? That allows a manufacturer to check how the car was driven that might void the warranty (i.e. the GTR)? That allows cops to issue automatic tickets if you exceed the speed limit by a certain mph? Etc.