If you want a flat-foot bike, then the Lime doesn't quite meet that requirement. It is close, but the seat is still a bit high.

Most people who understand how to shift a bike, particularly if they can handle shifting a 3-speed, would not feel that autoshifting is necessary. But some would-be bike riders are intimidated by shifting. Also some people almost never shift. The autoshift bikes allow these people to take advantage of having 3 speeds instead of 1, without them needing to do anything.

So is it a plus? That depends upon the rider. If autoshifting gets someone on a bike more often, then it is a plus. But if you can handle a 3-speed shifter competently, then you don't need it.

If you can handle a 3-speed, or a 7-speed, and you like the ride of a flat-foot / Crank-forward bike (and I can understand why someone would, they have a very comfy ride - I'm trying to get my wife interested in one), then I'd go with the Pure or the Townie. Or a Giant Suede, which is comparable.