I figured someone would know something on this topic. I was the same way. Started off on manual for years then moved into automatic. The automatic by far takes a lot of driver error out of the equation but i loved the feeling of being in "control" myself. As you said too you cant exactly tweak torque control with a manual either. Thankfully me and my wife purchased a 2011 mustang gt 5.0 this year with the 6 speed and that quenches my cravings for a manual trans. I just always assumed that manual gave you more torque and power because of the lack of 10 million clutches.