I like and need the CCC. For example when you use HDMI or when you set graphics-profiles for .exe files of games.That's how I install my video drivers as well. It's not as common as using the install/setup executable.
Some other forms of drivers won't install manually but I've never had a problem installing both ATi and Nvidia drivers manually.
ATi does a full package install even if you install from the control panel - not sure about Nvidia.
I simply remove the old drivers and unzip and direct the seek to the drivers folder from device manager and not the control panel. I do it with both ATi and Nvidia. I didn't even know that there was an install path from the control panel.
All I have is the driver installed and no ccc, etc.