But doesn't auto update remove the node runners "VOTE"?

The ONLY way I would advocate this, is if all new feature enablement required enablement (consent/vote) which is also NOT enableable by the VERY SAME auto updater.

This is an impossible task on a general propose OS and computing platform. Huge risks here with things like Umbrel and Statr9 which centralize enablement powers to a few. Short of a TRULY open source code base and benevolent PR merges.

Bitcoin does this through a community driven BIP process. These one click Node companies/ orgs aren't structured this way. They are also, move fast, break shit in (good?) spirit types.

Never forget Roger Ver used to have sway - but node consensus isolated his ideas. It's HIGHLY likely we must all vote again, and isolate those with grand ideas.