When I bought my 2007 5.9 just a few months ago, I specifically had them search for a manual transfer case. In fact, I got an ASTOUNDING deal on the truck because nobody wanted a 6spd stick and a manual transfer case. It had been on the lot for 7 months because of that (while all of the autos and electronic transfer cases sold like crazy).

I just prefer to know what things are doing, and eliminate points for breakage.

I'm doing a Baja-racing style built up on my truck, though, and so I'm trying to minimize points for malfunction.