Well... I do not understand what's the discussion all about?
Talking in layman's terms; gearstick layout of CVT transmission is just like AT transmission (with exception to Passo / Boon / some 660 cc cars, etc. where gearstick is mounted in dashboard / near steering wheel). The same ladder type layout; P, R, N, D, S, B, or L, etc. is there. What's the big deal?
On technical terms; CVT has infinite gear ratio and smooth shifting due to pulleys and belt. On the other hand, AT has fixed gear ratios and one can feel very slight jerks which are almost negligible, when gears are being shifted.
Regarding fuel efficiency, Yes, it's more for MT and CVT, and less for AT, but it's due to technical reasons. However, if someone is getting more kmpl in CVT, and other is getting less kmpl in the same CVT car, this all is depending on the driving conditions and driving habits of that person, and has got nothing to do with that CVT.
I think, the discussion should come to an end. Some use of "Google" uncle can very well explain differences between different types of transmission, and how to get best from any type of transmission (No offense / hard feelings to anyone).