I am driving mazda semiautomatic for last 4 years, I got used to it by taking foot of the gas , when i feel like gears should be changed , just like manual. Was difficult on slopes though.
Driving 2011 ES CVT since 2 weeks, Mostly its a pleasure , very smooth, slopes are smooth as well. It suits my kind of driving , I do not press the accelerator hard. I do use the S mode on roundabouts/overtaking/joining motorway, overall its good, happy about choosing it
but somehow after your drive, you feel some pressure on the right foot. Don't know how to explain. If i compare to a torque converter, you won't feel the quickness though.