Stick-Shift Versus Automatic

Interesting question. Here are some of my thoughts:

Advantages:
- More fuel efficient than any automatic (including CVT and automated manuals), just on a mechanical level
- Allows for more control of the car, which can lead to even greater fuel economy.
- Cheaper to purchase, say ~$1000 (I'm sure depends on the automatic model in question)
- Cheaper to maintain (fluids, etc).
- Usual more durable (again depends on the model).
- Some of my personal opinions:
* Keeps driver more involved with driving, resulting in a more attentive driver.
* Much more fun

Disadvantages
- Normally requires two working legs and arms
- Can't talk on the phone, eat, channel surf, AND drive (at least not without a head set or some fancy juggling tricks).
- Requires a bit more thought, effort, and attention to driving (oh how horrible!!)

Obviously I'm bias to stick-shift cars. And before somebody points out about a stick-shift being a pain in big city driving, let me mention all the taxis in Paris that are stick-shift cars, and they seem to have no trouble whatsoever (and I rode in one). Traffic is pretty crazy in Paris.
I really don't understand why so many Americans pick automatics over manuals. But I guess fuel economy hasn't been on the list of desirable features for a long time here....

The main reason I'm not much of a hybrid fan anymore is the lack of a manual transmission option. I understand it probably does not make sense with Toyota's system, but Honda used to make it available with theirs, and the manual transmission models got better millage than the CVT versions. I'm hoping when the Europeans start making hybrids, perhaps their models will have this option. For now I'll drive a VW diesel with a 5 speed manual. The only way I'll give up my manual is for a car that completely lacks a transmission at all. No autotragics for me!