You are of course right and I was aware of this when I posted but didn't mention it. Nonetheless, it isn't that difficult to pull a handbrake on and push the gearlever forward a couple of inches. In an auto there are 8 actions:
Press brake, apply handbrake, select neutral, release brake pedal, press brake pedal, select Drive, release handbrake, release brake pedal.
In a manual there are 12 actions:
Press brake, press clutch pedal, apply handbrake, select neutral, release brake pedal, release clutch pedal, depress clutch pedal, select 1st gear, find biting point, release handbrake, allow clutch pedal up all the way, press accelerator.
Less effort in an auto than a manual.