What exactly is your experience with Mini automatic? If you haven't tried it with an R56, than read the thread I referenced above. Here's a quote:

 

The automatic is prone to failing. I have an 07 MCS and had the transmission go into "limp home" mode twice - which keeps it in second or third gear only, with a top speed of around 30 mph. The dealer tells me they have been flooded with problems with the automatic. Mine has been an absolute nightmare. I fact I have decided to dump it at whatever price I can get - if I can get if out of the dealer's service dept - where it has been for 5 weeks!! I have tried to lemon law it, but can't quite get it there.

 

Sorry for that - that really sucks. I hope to have better luck with mine when it gets here. I asked my dealer, and he said they haven't had many issues. There have been a couple of reports here of problems, but I'd expect to see a lot more if it's as bad as your dealer says.

 

I am really impressed with the 6-speed on mini. Solid and silky-smooth. I also have a 2006 Miata and the Mini is so much better. The "hill holder" feature was a nice surprise.

 

It all comes down to a matter of choice...and age. When I was younger, you couldn't pry my fingers from a stick shift. Now that the knees are going and the heel and toe just isn't what it used to be, and the ankles that get sore when driving in city or stop and go traffic, I LOVE my automatic with the paddles and the stick modes. Both transmissions do well in snow [stick mode with the auto], and both are ok for twisties, and going to the track [I do about 6 days a summer]. For me, I enjoy being able to change modes "on the fly"...something I could never dream of doing with a stick, unless I wanted to go from drive to neutral when on the road.

 

Stick all the way unless stop-and-go everyday.