They should keep it manual only, just to filter out the posers.
I expect that from TripleBob, pi, or GBA, but not from you!
It has been settled that this will be 6MT only, which is stupid, IMO. The availability of an automatic does not dilute the manual option at all, but opens up for more sales. It's simply good business. If the WRX sold 90% manual, 10% automatic, there'd be a case for not offering the automatic, but it's said to be about 60/40 at this point, last I heard.
To play devil's advocate, the RS isn't like WRX. It is like the STi, which is also manual only.
What is stupid is the lack of an auto on the ST. With the likes of the STi, Golf R, and now RS popping up in showrooms, the
comparatively sedate WRX, GTI, and ST become the rational choice, right? It is at that level that I think manufacturers should be sure to offer something for everyone.
As for the wife/manual argument... My wife will not learn to drive standard, and there have been times that it would have been VERY useful if she could drive my car. As such, my next car will likely be an automatic, and I just hope that the new ones are as awesome as people say they are.... I know that the spineless/lazy comment was just a joke, but sometimes real life gets in the way