I do not think it is that big of a thing on a gas engine. The power band
is fairly wide. Not like the diesels. Where top rpm is about 3000.

I gotta go the other way on this one. This is one of those things where
more is really more. The extra gears get you a lower low and a higher high.
Makes for a quicker, smoother, and more economical vehicle. I love the 6
speed auto in my daily driver. 1st is quite low for quick starts, and 5th
and 6th are both overdrives. Great economy, and smooth as buttah. Auto
trans technology has come a long way in the past five years. The new 07
replacement for my car comes standard with an 8 speed auto. I'm guessing
you're at a point of diminishing returns there. Mercedes has a 7 speed in a
number of its cars.

It did make a huge difference in the diesel truck going from a 4 speed in my
2000 to a 5 speed in my 2005. Night and day.