When I was building my new bike during the Great Covid Shutdown, I originally wanted to go with an Ultegra mechanical. There weren't any available as a full group set, so I started trying to find the various parts needed to build a complete group. The FD was as elusive as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I would find a website that showed them, then see they were 'out of stock - no date for availability'. Reluctantly, I ordered an Ultegra Di2 full group set.
I would never build or buy another bike without some type of electronic shifting. It's just that good.
If you really want to feel "disconnected" from the thing you are riding in / on, buy a "self driving" car.