Back a bit to the point, I understand both sides of this argument.
I'm only disgusted with people that refuse to try learning how to drive a standard transmission. Most times it is out of pure laziness. They'd rather be talking on the phone, eating, messing with the radio, or putting on makeup than actually focus on anything car or traffic related.
I don't find anything wrong with someone driving an automatic even if they are able to drive a standard. I just get real upset when they only do it so they can do so many other things that don't pertain to driving, and run people off the road.
That is actually one reason I want a standard. I'm constantly eating on my way to work. Having to keep my hands busy with the car, I won't be able to. Plus it's a hell of an excuse for not answering the phone when my girlfriend calls.
I've never driven a car newer than a '94, but in all the automatics I've driven, when you select a lower gear, the car changes to that lower gear if it's not over the redline! That is actually how I need to stop since I'm having break issues ATM. I don't know how so many of you could say that you can engine break in an auto.