I basically agree with all of your replies, however, I am also very optimistic about the future of the Maserati brand. Will its new association with Alfa "water it down"? I don't think so. Maserati should know by now exactly what it is, so should FIAT. Maserati will never be a Ferrari, nor will it be a Alfa Romeo, those are all distinctive marques by themselves. Maserati's competency lies with GT vehicles and saloons. It's price sweetspot is somewhere around $ 100 - $ 120. This certainly is a highly competitive segment and Maserati, but I believe the current products are well placed and deliver. There always will be higher output, better handling, faster accelerating cars on the market then Maserati's, however, Maserati is so much more - some if it very intangible.
I, personally, are very content with the gear selection on the current QP's, but am aware that if someone is looking for smooth automatic operation he can be disappointed by the DuoSelect. It does take some feel and practice to get it right. If you press the car though, there is no better transmission out there. Look at the BMW SMG - far worse than the DuoSelect, or the F1 by Ferrari for that matter.
Conclusion: I think an automatic is a good choice for people who do not want to be involved in the driving experience like the DuoSelect demands. For people "trading up" from MB's, BMW's, Jag's, or the like, an automatic is a good choice. I just think an automatic is not what the brand, Maserati, is about. For Maserati to make money through selling QP's with auto and in turn being able to offer more cars honest to it's heritage and brand - go for it. I do not believe the association with Alfa is all bad, done right it can be positive for everyone. Just think about it this way. Alfa will have more dealers than Ferrari does in the US and around the world. I understand Maserati's will be sold through Alfa dealerships in the future, which will guarantee easier access to service departments for Maserati owners in the US, hopefully.
Sorry for the length, couldn't gather my thoughts in a more efficent way. Curious about your thoughts though!