Hmm! Go into a dimly lit room and turn the light on - the eye tells the brain there's too much light - the brain tells the eye to shut down (would be painful otherwise). Isn't that exactly what auto mode is doing?
Ok, perhaps a harsh comparison, but you get the idea.
I think using auto exposure without sudden movements to give the iris time to adjust is acceptable.
I try to visit ,as Bob says, the venues involved before the event to find out how I can do. If auto is on the cards, then ok, I use it. We have enough to think about capturing the occasion, we don't have time to re-run as Grazie would like!
Providing all is kept under control then auto is of benefit. Any slight inconsistancies can be ironed out in post. Imagine how we would correct a badly exposed print if the likes of photoshop weren't available - ok you can't make a sik purse out of a sows ear, but we can correct slight failings.
If I was doing a controlled shoot yes I would do manual - if I wasn't happy, I would do a re-run til it was right.
I know there are pros and cons with both methods - my XM2 tells me to engage ND filter when it can't close up any more, very annoying, but that's life!
Do what makes you feel more comfortable - you're no less of a pro for it - the finished product is all that matters, no matter how its acheived.


Mel.