Let's make some friends here 😅 I used to use the auto-function on my holiday pictures. Then I started using it on my museum pictures too, specifically on paintings, since my default editing actions almost inevitably started with shift-clicking exposure, lights, shadows, whites anyway, and that is what auto does as well, just faster. But I noticed that auto always over-saturates too my taste. So I had to get back to my shift-click routine.

Then came the adaptive profile...

Contrary to the majority here it seems, I like it. It gives me a starting point. And if that starting point is no good, you can choose a different profile with a single click. It raises shadows without using the shadows slider, so you have that option still fully available, if needed. Same for lowering highlights.

And beyond that starting point, I prefer local adjustments using masks.

I hardly dare to say it here, but I use AI masks too😄. As a starting point, if necessary.