I use a variety of different cameras, but some of them are fully manual only film cameras. Some don't even have a built in light meter. Some don't even have a range finder. Using this technology doesn't mean that my photographs will be any better than if I just used fully auto point & shoot cameras. It doesn't make me more of a photographer. With these cameras, manual isn't a choice - it's a requisite. However, I don't expect the lack of automation to make my images look better exposed. How could it?
However... here comes the opinionated bit that is going to get me into trouble. If this advice is aimed at DSLR (and similar auto) camera users, then I'd suggest that it is always good to absolutely master all of your camera controls, and to be able to override them when the occasion demands. For example, when you want to capture motive blur. When you want to capture motive freeze, when you want to control depth of field, when you are challenged by poor light conditions, when you pan, when you want soft, when you want to expose for snow, etc, etc. For most of these you are best off leaving your camera in an auto program such as AV/aperture priority - then just adjusting exposure compensation either way when needed. But simply being able to master all controls - to be able to override any when required for the percieved image - that is worthwhile.
So much could be picked up if new camera owners simply read their user manuals, referred back, and just got to know their gear better. There isn't a magic program mode - there is simply getting to know and fully exploit your gear, or being restricted by lack of knowing your own controls.
