Seems to be something you understand, don’t understand, or can’t be bothered with. For me, I wouldn’t buy a “proper” motorcycle or car/truck that wasn’t manual. More control, age finer, better on fuel, makes for a more athletic experience. That said, there are countless people with physical limitations, low driving IQ, and/or different priorities that understandably don’t want or need manual. Sadly, people aren’t even exposed to manual vehicles anymore. Kinda a thing of the past …. and could be more or less extinct in the near future.
Anyway, when it comes to scooters I’ve only owned semi-automatics and will likely buy one again. The manual versions seem to have little storage under the seat and carrying stuff in front isn’t nearly as practical. Fill me in if wrong.