so just got a Lumix S9 camera, with the only manual focusing 26 mm F8 pancake lens. It is phenomenal!

the funny thought is, what is the virtue of having a manual functioning camera or lens, especially in the year 2024?

First, zero lag. Especially having an F8 lens, remember zone focusing and F8 and be there, you will always catch the shot, and the practical physics thought is even if you have the world‘s best auto focus in Camera, there will always be even a half a millimeter of leg, Because of physics. With manually focusing Camera, it will always always always be faster than auto focus. Or at least more responsive.