The advantage of SMG/DSG/F1 is NOT in the quickness of the shifts. Yes, it's quicker and more consistent than a human can shift and that's good but ...... the REAL advantage is left foot braking. Specifically, 1) the ability to brake under full throttle and 2) eliminate any unsettling that occurs even with the best heel-toe techniques. This is a good explanation:

http://e46m3performance.com/installs/pedal/page3.htm

I know DSG etc has it's advantages, but after driving an SMG equipped M3, it left me longing for a clutch pedal. Just not my cup of tea. I'll compromise the last tenth of performance for the pleasure of rowing gears.

I wonder what Bill V's Audi is?

You really need to spend some time behind the wheel to get used to it. It's clumsy at first. Once you're used to it tho, wow! :eek:

BTW: Does DSG have 'Launch Control' like SMG - that's fun for smokey burnouts .... :D

Computers have made automatics and auto-manuals and manu-matics a viable alternative to the clutch pedal. How long has it been since F1 cars had to be shifted with a clutch?
I will miss the dance.

It's not all due to the speed of the shifts. Most often, a car with an auto will have a stiffer rear gear. The gearing has a lot to do with quicker 0-to-60 times. (The gearing change is to keep the auto from feeling like a dog that first ten feet from a light.)

Looking at an M5 I was told Launch Control is not offered on any car in the US.