I had a "B" series for 12 years. I can not see any reason to get one in a gear transmission. I have driven gear tractors; they work just fine. But for that 0-10 acre range, and lots of moving about an going back and forth to tasks, a HST is perfect. That is really the heart of what a compact tractor with HST is designed for. Regardless of brand; it could be a Kubota, a JD, a NH etc. Compact tractor with HST; that is their market niche.
I like driving a stick in a car/truck. Gear tractors are just fine. But, for zipping around, loading, unloading, making small adjustments while mowing, scraping etc, HST is a shoe in.