Automatics.

can someone explain why some people dislike automatics,I have driven automatic cars for over 40 yrs & never had a problem,& it certainly makes driving easier,not having to do all that gear changing. In fact I believe that in the usa & canada if you want a manual it,s an optional extra.

Yet when I say that my car is an automatic I very often receive comments like they are not reliable,or if anything goes wrong they cost a fortune to repair,or other adverse comments.Where do these ideas come from?