As a fellow UK-er, the only real criticism I’ve heard about automatics is that it can be difficult to pull off quickly from a standstill - Have you found that at all?

Absolutely this is why. And owning stuff isn’t a job - only workers contribute to society.

Unfortunately, having bourgeoisie rulers and landlords is the central underpinning to capitalism.

I don’t think 100 million will buy you a hill of beans in US politics. And I don’t think they’ll betray their class interests for any amount of money - what’s the point in taking a $100m bribe if it means there’s fair taxation and more equitable living that prevents them being top dog with that money?