[jjav]

> What downsides for the _average_ driver (who just wants to go from A to B comfortably and safely) does an automatic have?

No downside really.

But as an analogy closer to HN, is there any advantage to knowing about software and operating systems and networking if all you're going to do is watch netflix on a walled-garden phone?

Same answer, no advantage really.

But knowledge is rewarding, understanding systems is fun.