Looking for opinions on automatic vs stick

I'm not sure durability is much different these days. But if we are talking 99-05 vintage, the automatics do have some operational downsides. The 4R100 in my '99 had a chasm between 3rd and 4th gear that was inconvenient most of the time. It also had a hard time making up it's mind on grades. I'm not sure how that would translate to a gasser, maybe the ratios are better matched. A good friend had the 5 speed auto, better, but still lacking. In a new truck, you can't get a manual, but the automatics have gotten so much better in that time there is no advantage to a manual that I can see. The 6R140 seems to be pretty **** good.