Yes, thats what I would say for stick and auto shifts.
Gears are required to effectively translate power belted by the engine to the torque available on wheels. The technology of vario drive makes it possible for the machine to automatically select gear ratio required for smooth drive.
Before recommending something, you need to consider driving in different scenarios. I have driven in Cities or Country side/small towns. Its best to analyse the driving pattern in these scenarios
In a nut shell, Auto transmission eases a lot of driving hassles and ensures good power transmission. Manual transmission makes you control power distribution and in the hands of a good driver, smoothens the ride and increases fuel efficiency.
Driving in Countryside and small towns
Countryside generally has big cars, ample space, good road width and well planned driveways. The auto shift is the best in these circumstances that you will have smooth rides with minimal hassles. Driving is really relaxing in these areas. Less than 5% of a drive will be spent in very slow speeds like inside the parking lot of reversing etc. The conditions mentioned above makes auto shift the obvious choice in smooth rides and taking advantage of technology.
Driving in cities
There is a different ball game altogether in cities. You would be crawling at 10 Kmph, suddenly you would be made to accelerate for 5 sec before braking for the signal. You need power for 3 sec to overtake an autorickshaw troubling you. Making the vario drive adapting to these flash changes in torque requirements will make you lose your fuel efficiency and makes the ride rough sometimes increasing the engine rpm.
Stick shift in these scenarios makes the driver to redistribute the power and ensure smoothness and optimise fuel efficiency. Manual shift thus makes the ride reflect the moods of the driver to a slightly greater extent than Auto shift.
The above are the reasons why people prefer stick in Europe & India and Auto shift in US. Traffic in European cities is worse with real narrow lanes testing your patience. US, has wider roads and less necessity to accelerate and brake frequently.