This is correct. A convertor is a fluid coupler and even though it seems like it leaves hard off a trans-brake, which it does, its not as sharp of an impact as a stick car has. The stick having a purely mechanical coupling, and in most race applications, no dampening, is significantly harder on drive line components. This is why MOST stick applications will have a pro gear in the axle and that is used for dampening the shock.
In nearly all applications, a 5 speed car will leave harder than an automatic, but the loss found in the 5 speed appilcation especially a diaphragm style clutch setup, is in the launch and at the shift points.
The easiest way this can be noticed is, a 5 speed setup (unless its a liberty style with a VERY expensive slipper clutch), will drag the motor down at launch and in between gears, this may not even be able to be heard, but its still happening. Where as, an automatic with the benefit of the fluid coupling will hit the launch or shift RPM and progressively increase in RPM rather than a drop and then increase.
The other problem that causes a stick to be more harsh on driveline components is, when an auto car is on the brake, everything in the driveline is "loaded" so to speak, where as a stick car is relaxed using all of the lash in the system. When the stick car launches, all of these little gaps are taken up and parts are literally slammed into each other.
hope this makes sense.
