Automatic vs Paddle Shifting questions

AngelNismo

I'm understanding that the ECU will shift based on your throttle input. So for a lighter depression you will get softer shifts that are gas conscious and for more aggressive depressions you will get quicker acceleration (obviously depending on the gear it may even down shift for passing at cruising speeds). In light of that I have the following questions:

1. From a stop, will I accelerate a quarter mile faster in D mode while flooring the pedal or in manual mode paddle shifting.
2. Regardless of which is faster if I decide to paddle shift do I get the fastest times by up shifting to each gear while being at the higher end of the RPM band (6-7K) or should I be shifting at certain RPMs for each gear, if so what is the breakdown for those shifts to achieve the fastest times.

Thanks and sorry for all the noob questions. I read through various threads but never got super concrete answers to the above. The questions above btw are pertaining to a 14' 370z 7AT.