U will find pros and cons to both, naturally. I switched from a manual to auto for the same reason. Wife and daughter struggled. In an emergency or a vehicle back up, and rarely driving the JK other wise, inexperience and panic situations could have a disasterous outcome. Practically it wasn’t going to work out for the best. Most of my driving was stop n go city anyway. A total pain, here. Begrudgingly I switched to the auto and it has been nothing but convenience ever since. No more over using the clutch. Hands r completely available for other tasks. Stop n go , creeping traffic pains r a thing of the past. On the rare occasion some one else drives the JK, no worries. Also, just as capable off road for my needs as well as half +/- the Jeep community. (No more open clutch worries either regarding water.) These r what come to mind first off. Granted every one should know how to operate a manual. But I have first hand experience that there r those that will never be able to....and not at the risk of breaking a vehicle or getting in an accident because we put our wants in front of our loved ones. Go with your heart/instincts n not your head. Best wishes.