I agree. The fact that it was quicker, as well as the added challenge of it was what drew me in. Once I finally got used to it I was having more fun.. I went around to all my old records just to try to beat them. I dont know if its just me but it also seemed like it helped me out with braking, maybe it was just in my head. Also, I only use a game pad, so with that in mind it made it feel more immersive to me as I can relate it, somewhat, to actually driving a car with manual transmission.
I had my clutch set up as the right analog stick, it even let you slip the clutch slightly if you wanted lol. I set up-shift to the right bumper so that way it wouldn’t interrupt my right hand, and complete opposite for the downshift, so that way when I’m braking it’s the same idea. Worked flawlessly for me.
I just got used to using the left bumper for the clutch. I've gotten pretty damn good at hitting the brakes and clutch simultaneously with my left index finger.