I have reecently read a few times people stating that they find using Manual quite hard when using a pad (as to what pads they mean im not 100% about)
But..
I used to play Forza all the time with a friend using a pad and F12010 for a month before switching to a wheel. At no stage did i ever go down the Auto route. I found Manual easy and the reason for this is because i used the following button setup, my mate loved it aswell. Ok.... this may not be for everybody and if your going to give this a go it may take practice but it definataly works a treat.
Accererate - Right Trigger
Brake - Left Trigger
Gear Up - Left Button (LB)
Gear Down - Right Button (RB)
So ie... your always changing gear in theory with the opposite hand that is either accelerating or braking at the time so no multitasking with the same hand.
Just something to think about as this always worked well for me and even though it was a pad it still felt like a paddle shift transmission
But..
I used to play Forza all the time with a friend using a pad and F12010 for a month before switching to a wheel. At no stage did i ever go down the Auto route. I found Manual easy and the reason for this is because i used the following button setup, my mate loved it aswell. Ok.... this may not be for everybody and if your going to give this a go it may take practice but it definataly works a treat.
Accererate - Right Trigger
Brake - Left Trigger
Gear Up - Left Button (LB)
Gear Down - Right Button (RB)
So ie... your always changing gear in theory with the opposite hand that is either accelerating or braking at the time so no multitasking with the same hand.
Just something to think about as this always worked well for me and even though it was a pad it still felt like a paddle shift transmission