Sales manager at my dealer told me the manuals are the slowest to leave his lot, it was just a coincidence they had one in the model and color I wanted. They simply would have had to get one for me from another dealership if they hadn't...

I agree it is an anti-theft device - and is also easier on the brakes and gas mileage. The one time I have regretted a manual was after my foot surgery...I couldn't drive for a LONG time