My .02 is this is all quite subjective.
I would compare the relationship of analog audio vs digital to driving stick shift vs automatic or making coffee using a grinder and a chemex vs a keurig pod machine.
In each of these, some would say the manual aspect offers benefits in the process and ultimately in the performance.
I am one of them. To me, manuals are more fun and drive better, pour-over tastes better and analog sounds better, but I fully understand that others will disagree.