Interesting debate on auto vs manual cars. Here are my two cents.
By and large, auto transmissions have proven to be reliable enough for people to shift from manuals in bulk-loads. Manuals are definitely cheaper and less complicated but as far as issues are concerned it is varies from car to car and user to user. Back in the 90s you could easily find manual cars with slipping clutches and crunchy gears. That didn't mean manual were bad.
Yes, torque converters have amazing reliability, so they are almost as good / reliable as manuals. Others have yet to prove the test of time. Talking about Saga, I saw a Malaysian reviewer comment that this transmission is lifted out of a Hyundai and is very very reliable.