Yep. Better control, better driver, more fun, safer, better acceleration (which ties in heavily with safety), and if you dont drive like an idiot - better petrol/gas mileage.
Only disadvantage is packed traffic in cities. Constant change between first and second gets very very dull.
Thats just my opinion though, what do you think? Of course, most people will say automatics. I think we have more americans on the forum, not sure though.
Actually my statement is law.