I would like to use the auto-combat option more often, especially against small enemies. The problem, however, is that there is a big difference between auto-combat and actual battles. Some examples and some suggestions to solve it.

I use stone giants I summon with 'rogoths promise'. This unit can summon boulders from the sky to drop on the enemy. If I do the battle myself, it is good to start the fight with this spell. However, in auto-combat I don't see them use this ability.

When I fight big monsters, I prefer my heroes not to get hit. That is why I need to do the battly myself, because in that case I get two turns in which I can cast spells at the enemy. In auto-combat my heroes normally get hit immediately, or after casting one spell.

When I fight small enemies, I don't want my heroes to spend mana on attacking spells. However, the auto-combat option often starts with casting spells.

My suggestion would be to have a few auto-combat options. For example, 'autocombat without spells', 'autocombat without special abilities', 'autocombat evade hits' and 'normal autocombat'.