Yep...definitely do this too. I have a good family too because I dont even have to say anything. The kids or wife ask the hostess if we can sit in a certain spot so I can see it. If only I could get the same level of understanding when I park it 1/2 mile away from the door...
To be honest, most manual transmissions made in the last 3-ish years that aren't hooked up to a monster V8 are soft as butter. I had a 2019 Wrangler and it was similar to my Bronco. As was all the Gladiators/Wranglers I drove at the dealership (was a mechanic there) and my very recent VW GLI...
I've been debating using ethanol free fuel. I live near the water and they sell it at most gas stations. 89 Octane type. Not horribly more expensive but it would be hard to do a true test here with the traffic pattern.
2022 Black Diamond 2.3L w/manual here. Drove backroads averaging 50-60 mph with just a little bit of interstate thrown in and terrain flat as a pancake. Computer said 25 mpg. Wishing I could average that on the daily but I live in a tourist town that can routinely take 45 min to go 9 miles...