I chose a Manual. For several reasons. I like to feel the power in my hands, a V8 camaro has just always been cooler to me with a stick, been driving manual daily for over 11 years and now find an automatic boring, also as a tech I know the majority of transmissions that need repairs/rebuilds are automatics which are a PITA to tear apart and rebuild with all those tiny parts (stupid check balls) and do not want to be the one stuck fixing it when it breaks therefore i chose the manual which is easier to repair and isnt as likely to break on me. As for other people they can drive whatever they like.
Auto makes you no less manly, its just not my cup of tea and I do love being paid (key word paid lol) to fix them.