Not to split hairs here - but you don’t cede CONTROL if you choose to use the paddles rather than leave it to the
computer to
change gears. But - naturally, there’s something to be said about a perfectly executed heel-toe downshift. I suppose you’re not a fan of rev-matching either, eh? ;-)
You make a good point here, I guess a more accurate way to describe it is that I just prefer the feeling of a manual transmission. That's true for me even though I don't know how to heel and toe.
Whenever I've had paddle shifters in a loaner car, I just ended up feeling annoyed. That said, if I had them for a while I might get used to them. I do think our transmission is an especially nice one, and that's comparing it to the manual transmissions in Hondas and Acuras that I have had which are known for having really good transmissions.
I wouldn't mind rev-matching, I know some manual transmission cars have it now.