There a lot of things in life we don't enjoy doing but if you want to get from A-B we have to, so if you want to travel in ED you have to use the hyperjump system or else play some other less taxing game. These are the mechanics of the universe, travel and scale are prime amongst them. So NO, people like ED for the realism and challenge it provides, dumbing down for those that can't be bothered will not be accepted by the majority as has previously been seen. Keep pressing the J and you'll be fine it's the only way you are going to be travelling anywhere, maybe in future when space legs arrives there will be more things to occupy a Cmdr while he travels but the scale of the Galaxy is paramount and nothing should be left impinge on that.
This isnt decreasing the scale of the galaxy in anyway. Also the travel mechanics in the game are pretty mind numbing as it is. This wouldn't be dumbing anything down, i dont think thats even possible. There's no trick or skill needed other than point your ship and push "j"
I hope you drive and old school stick shift car with no power anything. Roll those windows down manually, power windows are dumbing it down too much.
Practically all forms of modern day transportation have automated systems in them to either make them safer or less tedious for the operato.
Boats of all sizes can and do have a form of heading hold or even autopilot, even modern sailboats have it.
Planes of all sizes also have an various levels of autopilot control available. Some of the first autopilot systems were developed back in the 1950's. Modern day autopilot systems can even land themselves. The pilots are there to monitor and take control when something unexpected happens
Cars have had cruise control for quite awhile now. Modern versions can maintain distance from cars in front of you and even stay in lanes. Fully automated cars are on the horizon and even in that case drivers have to pay attention and intervene in case something happens.
Trains, alot of modern trains have automated systems that monitor and control speed and slow the train down if necessary. Many modern subway systems don't even have operator's on them, they just do their thing through an automated system.
Even todays spacecraft have some form of autopilot system.
https://books.google.com/books?id=k...nepage&q=do spacecraft have autopilot&f=false
But in a fictional game set 1300yrs in the future where faster than light travel is possible we are stuck with the equivalent navigation controls of a ford model t car or ancient sailboat. Consider my "immersion"broken then.
Also did you just use the excuse of "sometimes in life we have to do things we don't like" as a reason why ED can't have an autopilot feature? Now I've heard everything.