I think we've figured this out...
The MT guys can shift well and drag race in a straight line and the AT guys can actually win at a road course with excellent driving skills other than rowing a shifter and pushing a clutch pedal.
BTW, I'm not an AT lover or fan I'm a MT guy (still have my s2k). However, I think the 7AT on the Z is quite nice and better than the 6MT I test drove in 2011 when I was buying. I felt the 7AT fit my needs and I also thought the 6MT felt clunky.
To each their own. As long as you drive a Z you're cool enough for me.
