That's good - then riding the pre-fader volume should be as easy as in Cubase or REAPER.
I always print the automization because the resulting tracks are the ones I actually want to use in my mix. The volume automization does not have anything to do with the actual song, so it would simply distract me from the actual work.
What's the main difference between ProTools and other DAWs? That's mostly a matter of taste or individual workflow. I couldn't work with a DAW that has no folders, so ProTools isn't for me. But I guess you can do all the everyday tasks with it with no problems.
Cubase, of course, is the most advanced DAW in terms of features. Some people think it has too many features.
Studio One is the opposite, it has a very limited set of features, but for many people that's exactly the reason why they prefer it. ProTools is slow, Studio One is fast. Cubase is somewhere in between. Cubase is perfect for MIDI production (that's were it comes from) AND audio processing.
Then there is Harrison Mixbus, which is actualy Ardour with a proprietary mixer console added. Mixbus is VERY limited, but it runs on Linux, Mac and Windows (it does not support VST in the Windows version though), and the console has a great sound. It does not (yet) support MIDI, and it you cannot use multi-channel plugins with it.
Samplitude is a full-blown DAW like Cubase, but you have to get used to its GUI. I think Samplitude is the only DAW on the market that supports object oriented editing, i.e. you can have complete control over clips with individual plugins and mixer settings. Studio One has a similar, but somewhat more restricted feature.
REAPER is the most customizable DAW I know, and you can do almost everything with it. The only drawbacks are: No VST3 support (not planned either), no decent vocal tuning feature. Studio One has ARA support which allows for seamless integration of Melodyne, and that's a GREAT workflow enhancement. The latest version of Sonar supports ARA too and comes with Melodyne Essential (like Studio One Pro) and also has VVocal, a built-in vocal tuner. Cubase has VariAudio.
... and so on ...
Regards,
Steffen