It can be picked up rather easily in a modern car, sure, but I'd like to note that not all manual transmissions are the same. As in, to drive many of them well,

It can be picked up rather easily in a modern car, sure, but I'd like to note that not all manual transmissions are the same. As in, to drive many of them well, it does take a patient instructor and diligent student to understand the fundamentals, timing, muscle coordination, etc. To your point, yes, everybody can probably do it, but can they do it well? The test I grew up with was a 1991 Ford Ranger, V6, 5 speed manual. The clutch engagement was extremely narrow and the V6 was kind of underpowered, especially with the A/C on in Texas, so learning how to make smooth take-offs was very difficult. I wasn't allowed to take that truck out on my own until I could drive around a passenger with a cup of coffee, not to the brim but definitely there, and not be rough to cause a spill. It was a high bar in my opinion. Years later, my VW GTi 5 speed and clutch felt like an absolute dream, buttery, easy. Learning on the much harder transmission, in my opinion, was beneficial.