Chuck, the theory is you can control the shift solenoids with relays while tricking the computer into thinking it's still in control....
Just a idea though.
5spd would give you closer ratios, def better for power management but also more parts to break, and a higher cost to produce.
I think you could probably trick the ECU pretty easy if you knew to comma protocols. Somehow I doubt power commander or the like will be adding that function anytime soon.
I'm thinking 5 gears would be perfect, leave these 3 where they are and just add 1 low gear for crawling and one high gear for cruising. But I would like it semi-automatic so I can choose paddle shift it auto depending on my mood.
Totally agree, I was playing devils advocate as to why Honda might not have gone that route with the P4