Depends on what it is.
The new Porsche Tiptronic, and Ferrari F1 "paddle" shifters are awesome. Same with the SMG in BMW's M3
Driven them, thats how I know.
Auto aint as bad as it used to be, with the manumatic options. I do say though, in a classic manual is the only way to go.
If its your daily driver, and you live in a big traffic area, auto is good. Riding that clutch in stop and go, is 0 fun.