I agree too,
To have a paddle or button shifter it has to interact with the PCM and clutch to be usefull. Otherwise it is just a gadget. The benefit to use it came from F1 and their reason was to save on time when powering the tires, pressing the clutch looses driving power. Also a reason why the Lenco transmission was used in dragracing. When it was allowed in Pro Stocks it cut 0.4 seconds of the ET.
I have been driving a Mercedes SLK 55 AMG with paddleshifter and it was a joy
That car don't have a clutch, I guess it is some kind of automatic but it shifts like a manual when driven hard.
Just my opinion.
Jan