[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by Helix

May I ask what you base that on? In the UK there does not appear to be an issue, and SMG helps protect other components from misuse (accidental or deliberate).

I see your point about it protecting the entire drive system from abuse. However, I base it on the fact that it is it is adding complexity to an existing simple proven system, that not many DIYer's can fix on their own...
It's no different than having power-windows over manual-windows... Eventually, the power window is going to fail in some shape or form, where-as the manual window will not (all things equal).

In summary:
KISS (keep it simple stan)...