Which do you prefer automatic/manual valve body or a shift kit in a sb 727

I have a full manual forward pattern turbo action . the shift from 1st to 2nd is pretty harsh at low rpm . if it was a daily driver or I was an old fart I would not recommended it. But I'm a trouble maker and do not prefer low rpm shifting .
On the flip side for me I have a torquey stroker with 391 gears , I could just leave from 3rd and never touch it lol