Yeah, except again real world tests have shown the 6 and 8 speed DCTs actually result in *better* performance. BMW was ready to kill the manual in the M5 precisely because the DCT automatic they wanted to fit was *faster* in every possible way and it got better fuel economy while doing it.
Today you are buying a vehicle wrapped around an expansive transmission. After 10 years if the tranny fails you HAVE TO THROW THE WHOLE VEHICLE AWAY even if the rest of the vehicle is still pristine. Conversely, there is no real end of service with a manual. I've had them last forever basically.
I don't believe in throw away vehicles. I've been burned to many many times by blown up auto transmissions. I've given perfectly good cars to charity because the auto trans died. I had maintained the car to perfection but it was to no avail. It's a racket.