I still love the manual regardless of the situation. After driving around a pickup truck for work it just feels too lazy. I know it doesn't quite compare to a quicker shifting box or even a dual clutch but the general lack of involvement is there.
There are some oddball cars with crazy tall first gearing, like the C7 vette (0-100kph).
Even my e90 has a first gear around 62 kph and I find it too tall, there's just not enough places to even reach 3rd gear under heavy load in everyday driving. Don't even get me started on Ontario roads or their drivers
... There's some truth in the driving a slow car fast motto especially with roads like these.
If I had to upgrade from my current DD, I would have my eye out for G70 6MTs but they're hard to find. I believe only 5% were made and likely even less sold. Golf R for close 2nd (all personal preference).