Back in the old days power steering was a dream. I had 2 shoulder, 2 elbow and 1 thumb surgery, Ergonomics.......I paid the price and those before me paved the way for what you have now..
I had a new 800 during Peak. Not so bad. Anything power trumps anything manual in my mind, especially since it's easier on my knees. My regular vehicle is a new 1000. More room in the cab, easier on the knees, and once you get a hang of the key FOB you do even notice it. Our Center has slowly been changing over for a few years now, and we're probably at 80% new vehicles.