Yes, indeed, they knew how to think for themselves, instead of having the damned camera think for them. Funny thing, the more automatic features the camera has, the less the photogs have to think. What an amazing marketing scheme. Of course, there are exceptions. If your application is fast moving and once in a lifetime, such as sports or a political rally, the photog probably is helped by the all everything the photog doesn't have to think cameras.
More shots equal more paychecks.
Just ask the photographers chasing Princess Diana. On the other hand, if you want to approach photography as as art form, perhaps a more intelligent and informed approach is needed. Maybe the photog's images are bettered by taking the time to think, more time to understand, more time to SEE, more time to feel. More time to become one with it. What a weird concept.