[Mike]

Originally Posted by PolarBear

I have driven the daily in traffic on route one, for years and years, even before this job I have. I drive in bumper to bumper now all over the state too and I am grateful every time I have a manual transmission. But again you are enforcing my statement that people don't want to be connected with his/her commute or driving experience, I should not have said lazy at all, but it IS true. I know you are a going to be a better driver than most people so you specifically are not the issue, but IMO 99% of drivers are not going to be nearly attentive as you.
Automatics have allowed any idiot to drive that can reach the pedals and the steering wheel, but this doesn't mean they should. Parents dicking around with their kids while driving or in traffic, people eating whole meals, watching TV while driving. If they had manual transmissions they wouldnt be able to screw around like they do now. And your statements are showing what most other people are too, they are not putting the priority on the primary function here, driving.
I am not saying every car should spin high RPM or that everyone wants to go fast
Been there done that would still do manual

You went from a work car (auto) to a carpool since you have been At this job. Hardly worth mentioning when comparing driving in traffic