+1, agreed. Poster isn't in the view of going for a manual, whatsoever.
But still, imaad's view is quite plausible, for the fact that AT does suck at acceleration. No fuel economy.
yes, one looking for a family sedan, seldom worries about speed and acceleration, over here, we have got the fuel economy of MT over AT. This one thing is a point of worrying for millionares nowadays.
People are selling R18s and buying vtec and idsi citys just for the fuel economy, there fore, fuel economy factor is an important thing for a person with a family who needs a daily driven vehicle. 
and still dear bruv, market for 6 speed altis is way hotter than AT. Situ is vice versa for civic 8G though.