No, it just gives us more time to laugh...at the original post...then the reply...then the casual comments..then the explanation of the casual comments...
Regarding the manual vs automatic never ending debate...I think the automatics are more popular because people are lazy..and as previously mentioned automatics are far better than they useto be. If the only auto out there to choose was a 70's vintage Ford auto tranny, everyone would have sticks...but companies like Toyota who make a auto tranny that'll last 300K miles, does what it's sposeto, and doesn't get in your 'way'...not a bad setup...I still love the feel of 'losing it' in 2nd gear lowrange and dropping into first and gunning it, just feels cool!
manuals used to be the rugged choice of reliability and for some vehicles now the automatic is the more robust option.
I like an auto now because they are more rugged than they used to be, they make it easy as you don't have to master the art of slipping a clutch and managing engine revs simultaneuosly trying to manipulate wheel spin.
An auto bites when you are trying to rock a vehicle back n forth though and bump starts are not an option.
I'm getting old I guess but I prefer the simpler task of not having to grab gears that way the right hand is free for swatting bugs or drinking a coffee or whatever