[central_va]

2 reasons.

1. Planned obsolescence. Transmission are "maintenance free" now,meaning you can't easily change the fluid or even check the level-no dip sticks anymore! What this does is cause an owner to make a tough decision at around 150K miles as whether it is worth rebuilding the tranny. The rest of the car COULD go another 150K but who knows? A planned consumer dilemma and screw job. A manual transmission could theoretically last for ever, maybe even longer than the engine which today with modern syn oils are almost bullet proof.
2. The need for hands free driving....

[mamelukesabre]

You left out remote starting. You can’t do remote starting on a stick when the safety code requirement is that the clutch is depressed to allow the starter to energize.

[MarkL]

Transmission are "maintenance free" now,meaning you can't easily change the fluid or even check the level-no dip sticks anymore!

I've owned my Kia for 3 years now, and when I called the dealer to find out how much a transmission/transaxle fluid and filter change would run, he informed me that there is no filter.

I think you're right... After a hundred thousand miles or so, it will be time to rebuild or replace the transmission!

Mark

[Figment]

Those clutch changes are fun aren’t they. Not really large expensive, but a pain in the ass