For me, the auto-focus is limiting. I like to have complete control over what is "in" focus and what is out. Even with the spot meters on my auto-focus, I get too many surprises when I shoot. I have had trouble with manual focus now that I'm using bi-focal eyeglasses but once I adjusted the magnification of my viewfinder everything was ok again. I know there are tons and tons of amazing shots posted here that are auto-focus so I won't say they are evil, but in my opinion, for MY shots I get the feeling that my images are kind of generic looking when I use AF. I don't want to start a feud here, it's just personal preference I guess.
Catherine