I tossed back and forth between ordering my new Jeep JL Wrangler with a manual or the really nice 8 speed auto. My wife said it wouldn't be a "real" Jeep if it had an auto, plus I saw the new manual transmission was going to be made by Aisin, so I went for it. I know the 8 speed is exceptional, but boy am I glad I went with the manual! It has by far the nicest clutch and shifting feel of any I've ever driven. It is silky smooth and very well matched to the new Pentastar. I've since gone to 35" tires and it still feels perfectly matched. Lots of people thought Jeep wouldn't offer a manual, but I'm happy they were wrong. They seem to be selling alright, too. One of the best side benefits is that most thieves could never drive it and woudn't even try. I've parked it in downtown Indianapolis a number of times with no doors and had no fear. A police officer who works for me said he's never seen a case of a stolen car with a manual transmission in his 10 years on the force. I'm sure it can happen, but the odds are so low, I just don't give it a worry.
I also drove my brother's new Camaro ZL1 1LE last week. 650hp and a wonderful 6 speed manual. The fun of going through the gears in that car is simply mind blowing. I worked him over pretty good to go with the 1LE, which only comes with a manual. He was hesitant, but now thanks me every time I see him.
There is a connection with the vehicle that just can't be duplicated with an automatic or even a paddle shift semi-auto, in my humble opinion.