In my cars that had manual transmissions, I really appreciated it when the vehicles performance allowed the manual transmission to enhance the overall driving experience. For example, I loved my 6-speed manuals in my little 4-cylinder sleepers, I adored the 4 speed in my 1970 Oldsmobile 442. But now that the two cars that I own have no real benefit from a manual (a SUV-Crosssover and a small 5-door hybrid), I don't see any benefit or reason for the inclusion of a clutch and manual transmission. I never got a lot of "fun" out of my old pickup with a "3 on a tree" shifter. I have personal preferences that I place in either transmission, and my choices are based on the vehicle itself and how I am going to drive it. Neither is inherently and always "better", and each has its place in my driving.