The article is more than "don't shoot in auto", but I have to wonder who buys an SLR without knowing how to use it. If you know nothing about photography, you should probably save your money and get a point-and-shoot instead.
(With that in mind, I spend most of my time in Auto or Program AE. Those both do a great job 99% of the time.)
This was probably very true a few years ago. Now you can get an entry-level Canon Rebel or Nikon for $500, and it seems everyone has one.
I agree with you that point and shoot is better for someone who just wants to take pictures though - a cheap point and shoot takes pretty decent pictures these days.
(With that in mind, I spend most of my time in Auto or Program AE. Those both do a great job 99% of the time.)