I'm with
Warhawk626. The trend towards automatics is a convenience/dumbed-down thing. I'll admit I'm a manual snob... and no, I'm not even thinking about seeking treatment.
Yes, automatics work better in a few high-performance applications such as drag racing and (some) off-roading. Also, I think F-1 car transmissions can be classified as automatics ... just no fluid couplings between the drive and the engine).
My friend's theory on autos getting better mileage comes down to cruise control. The manuals are geared lower (higher number) so they can pull long grades on the interstates where as an automatic is geared higher (lower number) as it can shift down while in cruise control. Again, back to
Warhawk626's idea of convenience and general ignorance.
Me? I'd drop cruise if I could get extra-higher gearing for my Civic. Can't see why one of these beasts couldn't get 45-48+mpg at a steady 60-65mph on the interstates in warm weather.