Videodrome,
You are asking a loaded question....
In my setup or should i say my room boundries play major havic on the sound.

While the auto-eq was very interesting. I really learned bunches about my envirnment by moving the mic around and seeing the real time response. Basicaly - manual. I also found the best location for the sub using the sms-1. very cool.

I have semi-vaulted ceiling (top out at ~15ft) and a semi-open living room/dining room.

I could get radically different responses just moving the mic 2 ft forward or backwards from the sweet spot. Even w/ Bass traps, i have null spots - live spots.... fun fun fun.

when the wife and i expand the family - I get to address the room situation w/ a new listening envirnment. YES....

So, depending on the room size/dimensions and the interaction from the speakers will dictate the amount of interaction w/ the sms-1. Some users will only need the auto-eq.

How you use the sms-1 is up to and your personal test.
Have fun...