I'm trying not to be offended, but you've assumed quite a bit. Don't mistake sympathy for ignorance/inability. :rolleyes:

I've driven manuals all my life (the X is my first auto). I'd say that for normal everyday driving, the only real "challenge" is starting up on a hill. I was being supportive. I'd also say that in these situations a "hand-brake" is a convenient alternative to the heel-toe maneuver. There is absolutely nothing amateur about using the parking brake in these situations. It provides an extra measure of security against rolling back into someone in traffic. I too can do the heel-toe thing (most trucks don't have the hand-actuated parking brake), but if the option is there I prefer the hand-brake.

So again, to the thread originator... Good luck!