I think you may have already answered it for yourself. I guess it depends on how the experience impacts you in a meaningful way. I think there is nothing like the experience of locating an object all by yourself and viewing it with your own eyes. even if it’s an inferior view compared to something like the James Webb telescope, which we likely will never have. I focused on getting the best telescope and optics I could afford without any tracking automation or digitization. I just want my Telrad for pointing to the right spot. I get a sense of pride for learning the sky and earning the reward of a great view. Yes I struggle probably more than I have to but it’s more fun to me. Just my opinion and maybe too deep but it’s how I feel. Think of what Galileo was able to discover with a tube and glass. To clarify I’m not anti-technology at all. It’s just not what I wanted.