you're right and you're wrong. For a car to be faster than the same car automatic you need a really good driver.
take LS1's for instance. Take a manual LS1 and put it up against an auto LS1. Good driver or not the auto will be faster.
I guess thats because its a high hp motor, but IMO automatics will be faster on the 1/4 once you et's are 12's or lower.