Dual clutch gearboxes are not the same as an automatic. And, I don't care if they "can" outperform a manual, they are overly complex, overly expensive, and reliability is questionable.
I don't think manuals are becoming irrelevant.
Not the same? It shifts..automatically. By definition that is an automatic, no?
They not only can, they do outperform a manual.
They are not much more expensive when added as an option, usually like an extra grand. A lot of decent cars come with them already factored into price as many companies are finding it more efficent to run off all DSG vehicles than make a manual just to save a few bucks.
They are great vehicles, and between DSG powered vehicles and future electric vehicles I think that manual transmissions will really be speciality items in the future.
I also see in a later post you said that DSG is more of an American thing, which sounds strange considering many of the DSG powered vehicles were pioneered by European manufacturers (Audi and VW had some of the earliest mass market DSG vehicles that I can recall).
If you like driving manuals, that is fine and I hope you enjoy it. If it saves you a few bucks (perhaps 10-13 dollars a month on payments if they offer the manual option on DSG optioned cars) than good for you. I just don't find it very fair to down talk a technically superior product to try and reinforce your own position.