I’ve had several automatic and manual transmissions over the years and if they were available and I was convinced that it was the best bang for the buck, I’d only select a manual. One of the big concerns is simply that the market for a stick transmission is far less.
One of the main reasons why I’d pick a manual transmission is how much money it saves on brakes. If driven properly (by gearing down), one can get away with minimizing braking to a huge extent. Whenever I’ve mentioned that in similar discussions, folks have said “sure but now you are paying for new clutches more frequently.” I only recall replacing one clutch over the years (and the cost wasn’t that bad)... but I had to get rid of a couple cars when the automatic transmission crapped out (and I replaced a few) and rest assured, the cost is far higher than putting a new clutch ind.
Plus, usually, low-IQ CARJACKERS CAN’T DRIVE STICK SHIFTS.