I much prefer them detached from the wheel, unlike the M6 I find if I want to change gear in a corner I have to think which paddle it is, whereas if they're mounted, then I always know where they are. Personal preference I guess
Thats interesting - so you prefer them mounted on the column?
I have acclimatised quite quickly to the column mounted paddles on the 370z, as the shifter handles are quite tall on each side, so even with your hands on the wheel with it tilted 45 degrees you can still use them, though I have found once or twice when taking a really sharp bend and looking to drop down a cog to accelerate out, I have found my fingers reaching for fresh air!
Personally I prefer the wheel mounted versions, but not finding the 370z column mounted unit to be too bad and quite enjoy using it really.
Yea, I just can't get on with wheel mounted when driving enthusiastically. Of course the column mounted paddles need to be bigger like you mention, but I really like knowing where they are at all times.