I'm pretty sure you're probably more the norm on that. I used A/C for the first time this year (2-hour drive) with my Mirage yesterday. Automatic climate controls are not a deal breaker for me. I just spent a good chunk of time traveling in my brother's 2018 GMC Sierra pickup truck. Dual climate controls and heated seats don't impress me, but I know those things are important to others.
If I had my pick of any 2014-20 Mirage brand new, I would pick the 2019 ES (manual), because of cruise being added as standard equipment this year. Since a manual trumps everything for me, I really don't have much interest in the other trim levels.
I actually had this discussion with the general manager (now owner) of White Bear Mitsubishi back in 2017. We both agreed, the Mirage being sold for $9,000 brand new wasn't going to continue in the future. Added features were going to bring the price up, & that has basically happened. Having said that, Inuvik shared $11,000 OTD Mirages were being sold in his area. Given what is on the 2019 ES (manual), I feel that is one heck of a deal!