I agree with this, plus it makes it much more easier to people that would log on as approach or center. This makes it much easier, this also ensures that you are not at like 3000’ 20 miles out of the airport.
But I also agree with John, where if you don’t want to deal with AutoATC, fly offline, or fly somewhere else, not in the USA. We have to keep in mind that this is also a trial, as Kirk said, but at the same time, it’s only in the USA, same as CTAF.
So, if you don’t want AUTO ATC, which basically just helps you out and the controller that MIGHT log on, fly offline or fly somewhere else, not in USA, anywhere except USA.