actually emdee, i feel same la.. if u check the first post of the sprints... AT for CPS also comparable with MT. its just owner personal feeling only.. 

if u think abt it, auto is more efficient in shifting. its electronic thus the shifting time is reduced compared to unmodified MT (dun talk abt short shifters la..)

then u have the ease of driving and focus on gf hands holding,etc 

its ur preference that counts...

tunning can raise the idling rpm which is give u better pick during standstill..and ya...higher rpm shift..but 7k rpm is good enuf...usually din really reach 7k..for me 6k already hard shift it...

well..y i opt for auto??well...im travelled alot i can tell u tht..north frm border of thailand till south in singapore...there is hell alot bad traffic in every state..(ie penang bridge, kl city roads, penang islands,kuantan,ipoh slow traffic,singapore rush hour etc...)all i want is comfort wen i drive and convenient for me to travel with ease state of mind...btw..auto have cruise control..manual doesnt..ahha

power wise, 1st 2nd gear i can keep up with most tuned and modified 4g18 but 3rd and 4th abit lag in power for auto..coz the gear ratio is much more wider...

if u really want for power and peformance thn go for manual..shorter gear ratio means better pick up performance....if u just a bloke like me travel alot...get an auto...

orang baru dapat kereta la.. kasi sayang sikit la.. 6krpm.. nanti baru bukak cps sampai habis.. 

talking abt springs n dampers.. i haven tried modding those parts yet.. can try next time when my dampers are KO. hehe.. now need save $$$..
welcome to all new members to de club 

p.s. finally we see a lady in the club.