Personally I like the PDF manual, but I'd also like a printed copy. The PDF is great for looking something up quickly, but the CM manuals have always been great in my opinion. I can take my manual down to our living room and read it while spending time with the family. It's one of the few computer related things that I can do when not in front of my computer!
I don't mind them leaving a printed manual out, but I sure wish they would print some and sell them separately on their website. I just like nice, large game manuals to read. I'm the type that typically sits down to read the manual before ever launching the game.
Either way I enjoy all of the CM games, and look forward to things to come.