Learners switching to Automatics.

[TnTkr]

I like automatic transmissions too, but I rather drive manual than lousy automatic. I've driven too many not-so-well functioning new automatic cars lately. For example Mercedes A and GLA double clutch automatic and Honda Jazz CVT are ones, that I'd not take myself.

[Kremmen]

I agree, my Civic has a traditional torque converter and I can't fault it.

I'm getting around 50mpg with the 1.8 so can't complain.

[ColinB]

Lots of accidents, shop fronts, etc, involve the elderly who are not used to autos and hit the wrong pedals in a panic.

Bit of a sweeping generalisation there ... unless you have evidence? Even if there have been a handful of such incidents reported, that number may not be significant in comparison to the numbers of other accidents that do not involve either elderly drivers or “pedal confusion”.  In the US, seniors are actually advised to use cars with auto transmissions:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/older-drivers

[Si Crewe]

All new cars after 2030 will be full automatics..

So anybody with an auto-only license will be golden in about 2050 or 2060.