Once you've driven an EV, it's very difficult to go back. Much like once you've tried an SSD, going back to an HDD is just wrong. Or going from a 144Hz to 60Hz monitor. But yeah, I don't like the smug/rubbing it in other's faces attitude that some EV drivers take. The transition is in progress but it isn't going to happen over night. When it does, though, people are going to have to learn to love life without the gear stick.
I think it will become a modding thing. Give them a manual gearstick and an extra pedal. (Not connected to anything obviously) So they can waggle it around, and use their foot.
Also link it to the stereo so it can go warrrrcccckkk when they press the go button. Add snap crackle and pop sounds
Progress is a funny thing, sometimes you don't see the benefit until you use something, auto handbrake for example, Keyless Start, all sorts of things people don't notice who have it, but really notice when its taken away.
It used to be that choosing an auto, meant choosing a more expensive, slower accelerating, less fuel efficient car, Its rapidly getting to the point that choosing manual means choosing a slower accelerating , less fuel efficient car. Its probably only a matter of time until the cost also flips, or at least goes neutral cost option, as whilst cheaper to buy, as more people switch the manuals are likely to become more expensive due to lower demand, or even worse on economy etc (relatively).
The extra cost of an auto is no where near what the premium is when you spec it, its the manufacturers looking to max markup, as they always do, on options. Once its becomes standard or more cars it will likely open the floodgates and will sonn just become basic level. As things like AC etc have done.
