A lot of men in this generation straight up won't size up to learning how to drive a stick, period. I totally get it when it involves a crammed city with hills, but a lot of men are completely shy of approaching a manual to start. Society is different. Men and cars don't have the same association as before, especially when costs of living can keep people from owning cars in general.

I won't...discriminate, but if anyone starts bragging about their auto, they just sound incredibly silly. On the flip side I don't see that anyone should brag about a manual. They can say it's fun and why they like it, but in modern day where a DCT has performance superiority, there's nothing to brag about. Maybe one's own driving skills, but there will be a day where being able to drive a manual is like saying you can do that swords-down-your-throat trick. Cool, kinda hardcore, but doesn't really...prove anything useful for yourself and society.

I gave up on manual around the same time as I did the LP record. Both have it's advantages, but not missing either.

Sounds like you are describing driving in general. Computers have "performance superiority" in every respect. Dismissing the stick because it's only "fun" can and does apply to all aspects of driving...In five years will you be saying "Why use an accelerator pedal? Just because it's fun? The computer can do it with performance superiority". Driving a stick is more engaging, period. It's not arguable, except to justify why someone isn't doing it. Doing less equals doing less. Fewer skills are required for driving all the time. Of course, that is only a problem if you actually drive for enjoyment, which many fewer people do these days, I think.

I'm sorry, I disagree... there is an azz load of value in the swords down throat gimmick. Just because you can't do it, no need to put others down.