Hydrolicly controlled clutches rarely need clutch changes, I typically go 100,000 miles before even looking at the clutch now.
Automatics are only close to MT's in mileage at cruise, they still lose a lot during acceleration (prior to lock up). Look at the consumer reports site, they show the numbers.
I do however agree that MT's are being marketed in lower end vehicles in the US (not so much true else where).