Auto run should be available when possible but perhaps at a lesser speed than doing it manually. Eve online has an 'Auto Pilot' feature that allows the player to select a destination and let the game do all the work, the only thing is that the ship will warp further away from a warp gate and will then take time to fly in range before jumping to the next system whereas if the player just selected to jump to the gate than it would happen upon exiting the fast travel.
I think that would sort of balance the 'botting' problem. People probably wouldn't waste their time botting if it was going to take the bot longer to complete a task using an 'auto run' feature. Also if it was slower it can give players a moment to take a break while still reaching their destination.
Macros are a tough area, mix/maxers will create macros that chain abilities together that destroy regular players and will probably create a 'Meta' where the top players NEED to have those macros otherwise everybody else would stand no chance.
'Auto Combat' is sometimes how a games combat system is created, in most MMORPGs basic attacks are just the character automatically swinging their main weapon to simulate battle and the main activity being the player pressing keys for abilities, World of Warcraft is a prime example of this. Although auto battlers and 'AFK Arena's have sprung up the concept is still the same.
Now a days, if an MMORPG doesn't have at least ONE of these mechanics then the player base will probably dwindle quickly. I remember some MMORPGs not having a 'jump' button and that was the main reason many players to quit.
It's silly but convenience is a big deal for a game that players are meant to spend many hours playing.
Thanks for posting your thoughts on the subject. It made me realize maybe I take some automatic features in a game for granted.
Exactly, you are absolutely right, especially when you mention that in some MMORPGs that you couldn't jump, many people lost for that very reason.
Unfortunately, I've never played Eve Online, but that Autorun system is very well done because there comes a point where you get bored of going from side to side when the maps are very large, and well in the case of Eve Online is the space haha.
Thank you very much for your comment :D and also for sharing your opinion.