I like the idea of CVTs and I think they are here to stay, but they are definitely still in their infancy compared to traditional automatics and manuals, and some of them do have a poor track record regardless of servicing.
My CVT experience is primarily with the one in my dad's 2004 Civic Hybrid. My dad picked the car out before it even reached the US, took delivery the day the dealer got it, and has only taken the car to that same dealer for service. The car has been maintained by the book and nothing has been overlooked on it.
At around 38K miles the car developed a bad shudder on acceleration. The dealer replaced the entire transmission under warranty. That worked for a while, but the shudder came back about 35K miles later, and this time the dealer "burnished the start clutch." That seems to have done the trick for now, but I just can't see it being a permanent fix. Coupled with the IMA battery problems (car has a new hybrid battery and IMA light is on again), this car's days are numbered. So far Honda has covered everything and the dealer has been providing loaners, but after 8 years and 90K miles of doing that, I am betting Honda's generosity will run out soon.
I am not trying to knock all Hondas or all CVTs, simply pointing out that anytime a new technology is introduced there will be some snags. For me personally, CVTs have a ways to go before I will trust them to be as reliable as an automatic or manual.
As for driving experience, while CVTs don't really bother me, I do like the feel of the nice positive, firm shifts I get from my truck's automatic. Even if it's not the most efficient way of doing things, there is something satisfying about ripping through the gears whether it's an auto or manual. I love winding my truck up to 5000 RPM and getting a nice firm shift...and it still does it flawlessly after 132K of not so easy miles. CVTs just don't offer as much on-ramp entertainment.
