As already stated, with ADD or similier devises, you can unlock the front end automaticly and still get better gas mileage.

The only advantage of having manual hubs is simplicity and a little bit of extra strength. But today, we regularly trade simplicity and strength for technology, convienence, and comfort.

That's why everything is electronicly controlled and solids axles are being replaced by IFS and IRS and brakes all have ABS, and transfer cases are controlled by computers and buttons instead of levers, and on and on.

Manufactures have to do this to stay competative with the other guy.

Frankly, of all things we've lost in recent years, solid axles, simple engines, ground clearance and approach angles, no manual hubs are the least of our problems.