I think that no matter how well the SMG performs or out performs a true manual transmission, you will NEVER be more connected or one with the car than with a true manual. The fact that your left foot is the link between the engine and transmission, your right hand clicking with confidence through the gears, your senses mixing the sound of the engine, the revs on the tach, and steering the car through the twisties, all the intangables that make sporting cars as enjoyable as they are, is only possible with a purely mechanical manual transmission. No computer controlled shift points. No switches. No gear indicator on the dashbord.... if you need one of those I feel sorry for you to begin with. Just pure driving bliss.