It's hard. I want M to survive and understand why certain decisions are made due to financial and market realities. I'll keep my E39 M5 and Z4 M coupe forever, as these represent (to me) a high point for the M division; well, really, I just enjoy driving them more than anything!
The new M5 is a case in point. It has to compete against the E63 S and there is a extreme minority of buyers for that class of car that want a manual transmission. So we have AWD (well done, IMO given the rear-wheel bias and the 2WD option, and needed given the engine's power output), auto transmission, etc.
Why am I still with BMW M? MTs on the M2, M3/4. I think that is it. When no-one offers MTs, I'll shop around for my one new car and continue to enjoy my M5 and M coupe.
