Welcome Haley, I changed to auto’s about 13 or so years ago. I thought the same at first and even though I can’t really change now, it makes driving so much more easy and is preferable to me. I can just about still drive a manual with a light clutch but it’s not nice. I’d say keep at it. In a while you’ll wonder why you thought that.
That said some auto’s, especially with some CVT, gearboxes are poor to respond from standstill.
A solution might be to request an extended test for 24/48hrs. It may help to sway you either way.
A note on the B4 engine though, is that it will more than likely only return late 20’s to low 30’s in mpg.
Either way, good luck.
? I will be remembered for nothing but had great fun doing it ?