Lynn,
I agree with Doug. Surprised that a camera store owner would say this. I have been a Nikon SLR user for many years. Auto is great and the cameras are very clever now! However, to be able to use a range of different settings to get the result you desire is very important. To have a choice of lenses that compliment your photography style is fantastic. I always have a good point and shoot with me as a back up. In over 40 years of SLR photography I have not had a camera fail on me, but, you never know! Happy photography.
Frank.