its was rather weird when I saw your exact name on one of my twitter followings.... apparently you are Katy Perry's favourite comedian;-P

I have to agree with you on manuals... yes, I am a chick, but I do know a bit (very small amount) about cars... I also drive a manual and when I went to buy it and insisted on it, the salesman was surprised that I would ask for manual over auto...

Besides what you have said regarding manuals... they are also easier to push start should the need arise;-P