Larry:

I wished to have a manual trans for my mb, but good luck getting one in north america, etc., as you have pointed out

however, my defence of the mb engineering of automatic transmissions is based on aesthetics, as the auto tranny is an integral part of the luxury car experience, not an afterthought but a "from scratch" engineering strategy which aims to give a car the character and feel of luxury. However, I recognize the the virtue of manuals, as you are more connected to the car and save gas than the distancing effect of automation. I had no choice but to go automatic, so i might as well enjoy the ride...