rev matching is just something that needs to be done sometimes... i'm generally low enough rpms that it isn't a jerky downshift without it... if i need to stop quicker than that, i'm using brakes, not the clutch.
anywho, manuals really are fun... my wife had to run out for a bit yesterday and due to the snow took my wrangler.. first thing she said when she got back is that she missed having a manual... good girl!
i learned how to drive one by my supervisor at work when i was 14. little tracker that had been traded in. couple stalls, but overall not too bad. my dad didn't know i could drive stick so he "taught" me in his 70 dart swinger... just put me behind the wheel and said, "let's go to the store"... all was good until we were leaving the store and there is a steep incline prior to getting on the highway... i was trying to look around a transport parked on the side of the road blocking my view, so i was trying to inch up the incline.... in a 340 four speed.... and the lady behind honked at me (guess i was taking too long) to which my dad yelled "b1tch!" and gave her the finger... loved it....
...of course it riled me so i just gunned it and lit up the back tires and fishtailed onto the highway having to gun it to stay ahead of traffic.... my dad was impressed with my control at that point and caught on that i already had a few "lessons"... fun.
oh, the other note... so many new stick shifts have "hill start assist".... while nice sometimes, i'm not a big fan... you totally lose that clutch feel... every morning it kicks in on my drive and i actually have to look at the rpms (usually just go by feel, stereo on too loud to really hear)... nice when you get used to it, but i stalled a couple times thinking the gear was engaged when it was just the HSA.