Even though I love the feel of a manual gear change (especially a Ferrari one), I would have a very very hard time deciding which one to choose. The F1 'box makes you into an instant hero, with perfect blips on every downshift, it would be difficult to resist that...
Agreed. Have read several car reviews on various cars that have said the same thing. "You won't miss the manual" type comment. IS-F, GT-R, Audi R8, Gallardo, any Ferrari, etc...
Is a very good paddle box better than a so-so or finicky manual? Because some of the manuals in those high end cars are a bit finicky. Heck, I've even heard about the manual in a BMW car referred to as "rubbery".
Although I've almost always owned a manual, some of the paddles boxes are REALLY good now. I guess if it's good enough for F1, it's good enough for me...