I agree with the comments of do what you want and don't let the dealer change your mind. Any C7 will be a great purchase.
I have a 2015 C7 Z51 with the 7 speed manual. I drive it daily to work and occasionally slalom it. I am very happy with the manual and find it makes the driving...
I drove past the auto compound in Ogden today and there are about 20 new corvettes just unloaded from rail. Mine should be one (last 5 digits of VIN are 19922). Maybe yours is there too.