I really think it depends on the driver. I drove cars and trucks with manual transmissions for a lot of years (primarily Volkswagen Beetles), and once I had learned each vehicle's idiosyncrasies the act of shifting became something I didn't have to think about, so my attention was on driving rather than shifting. But I've known people who tried to drive cars with manual transmissions who never quite "got it right" and were clearly focused on shifting more than driving.
Here's a photo with my jacket that's similar to your "Irvin".
It was a gag photo, but the jacket has served me well over the years.
Especially during a hard freeze in the open field at Camp Bullis during
maneuvers and filming at 3 AM.
I bought the truck new in April, I asked for a manual, they told me if I wanted one, I would have to wait six or so months, that's when the factory in Texas would do a short run of 6 speed manual transmission trucks. As it was, they could only find four trucks in the West, two white, one silver and one orange. I hate the first two colors, so I though, I haven't seen an orange car in decades. After it came in from Utah, I was the only one, now orange is every where! Figures.
The last time I regularly drove a car with a manual transmission was nearly 20 years ago. With the back problems I've experienced over the last 11 years I'm probably better off driving an automatic, but there are times when I really miss shifting.
I enjoy the comfort of automatic and cruise-control.
Although it can be too comfortable, especially driving from coast to coast
all day and night.
My job requires being on the road 24/7.
After 28+ years, I know my limitations and will pull over for the night.
Just don't stop at places with names like "Bates Motel".
