Never had manual brakes before. I am slowly getting used to them . It certainly takes a lot more force , but feels to me you have a lot more control, but I have only been driving for a week. the manual steering can be tough on parking lots you just have to muscle through it , I don't see it as a must at all , personally I don't think is worth the trouble, but then again I have only been driving for one week . So far so good.
Oh and the front lift kit is definitely a MUST .
Just giving my 0.02