Omegalock said:...you will have to simply pay more $ to get what you want. I can bet that if Ford DID toss in all these other things and jacked the prices up to like 27k some of the same people belly aching about the lack of the equipment would be complaining about how expensive the things have gotten...
The only thing about the "it's gonna' cost you" argument is the stiff competition from cars like the Z. Nissan can build a car with 280hp, IRS, 6spd., etc. at start them at $27k. So, it shouldn't be that difficult (expensive) for Ford to do the same, especially since they are domestic. I am not comparing cars here, namely costs of components.
Personally, if the 5 spd. is geared properly, I don't mind shifting less during the driving I do (especially sub-25mph stop-and-go fwy driving).