When you get into the world of precise electronic control, traction control systems, hill descent, CVT's, there are lots of other arguments to be made. I am very much talking about the question of a 1HD-FT engine with a period auto vs manual transmission though.
I'm well aware
That's why I said, I don't like this auto. It has faults I'd correct but I'm not sure the work to do so is worth the effort.