I love the CVT. I have not owned another car with a CVT, but know I would hate it if there was a lot of droning, vibration/noise due to high rpm every time I stepped fairly hard on the gas. I especially like how, when using adaptive cruise control, it uses engine revs to slow the car going down hills, or just slowing down; and saves the brakes.
If 'holding gears' reduces noise and vibration, then it is not simply a gimmick. It is a trade-off for more smoothness when driving, which I appreciate.