I prefer manual, that's why I learnt to drive in one however I will give autos one thing, they are very convenient.
I couldn't drive manual for a very long time, that's why I had to sell my Lancer and in that time I became very lazy.
I don't have to clutch in, or worry about changing gears when someone slams their breaks in front of me
I can eat, drink and programme my GPS while driving- I just slap her in auto and WA-LA.
If I was to sprain my ankle, break my leg or smash my pelvis (the reason I had to sell my car) I can keep driving.
Driving means everything to me, I actually think I would die if I had my drivers licence taken off me because its my freedom.
For a dual track/road car I think a worked tiptronic is the way to go. Best of both worlds.
As a daily I'd just go an auto, who really gives a flux when you have to stop every 30 metres for a red light.
For a track car, manual all the way.