I don't see driving manual transmission as a distraction for a first time driver. I never drove an automatic car until I had my license for about a year, and I never plan on driving an automatic again. I think if anything, driving stick keeps you focused, stops you from toying with the radio and cell phone/mp3 player (and from falling asleep). I think with automatic transmission its easier to get distracted. I know a lot of people who see it your way though, and I'm not sure if anyone else agrees with me haha...
That being said...Make mine a 6MT SS, Orange, black interior, no options at all. If it has manual windows and no radio thats fine with me.