People seem to be arguing about the same points already addressed in the
article I posted on the first page. This excerpt perfectly aligns with why I got the BRZ:
"...even though new automatics are faster than even the most skilled driver, there is an old-school, tactile feeling of doing something yourself. There’s a sense of accomplishment with the perfect upshift, a rev-matched downshift or just knowing a skill that others don’t. Many manual drivers find the extra level of engagement, well… engaging!"