[euromodder]

If they are the sole supplier of stick-shift pick-ups, they could either see that as an advantage to attract those customers.
But OTOH, if these customers don't buy manuals by the (many) thousands, why bother at all ?
The customer can't really run - as they can't buy a stick shift elsewhere.

Excess torque could well be another reason - the automatic transmission can be coupled with the engine management to keep the wear low.
With a stick the clutch is at the mercy of the user.

As it is, I happen to have driven along in a 560 Nm / 413 lbs/ft Beemer X3 this week , with an automated double clutch and the new ZF 8 speed box.
Massive torque, yet smooth shifting even when shifting down.
I've been using a stick forever, I don't wear out clutchplates, but I can't shift that smooth.
And neither can VW's DSG !