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I also have a 5D. Whenever I try manual mode I use the exposure meter to get the correct exposure, so it feels like I should have just used Aperture Priority mode and let the camera match up the exposure for me. Is there any real benefit in using manual mode?

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Having full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO allows you to create shots in-camera that would otherwise require extensive post-processing or compositing.

Sometimes you want some motion blur in the scene while maintaing shallow depth of field, e.g. when shooting a stationary subject against a busy city background.

For me the benefit is mostly tactile and muscle memory. I find the diaphragm ring / shutter dial easier and faster to turn, then to dial in exposure comp.

Secondly if you shoot in a static environment, you set up your camera once, and then just focus on what you want to shoot.

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