Yes, automated moves would be nice. Besides automated passes, the program could make moves automatically in such situations where the player has only one possible move. Also, it would be nice if the player could input sequences of the type "if opponent moves here, I reply there" that the program would play automatically.

Earlier automatic passes have been objected on the grounds that it would be distracting for beginners. IMNSHO the best altenative would be, if every player could decide whether he/she would let the program pass/play the only possible move for him/her.