Not having auto-attack is the new annoying trend in MMO's.
In STO, it's really f'ing annoying to not have auto attack because the way battle is set up - you are pretty much doing the same thing over and over - and only use specials for buffs, debuffs, and healing. So why do I have to keep hitting attack? Why?
In Fallen Earth, it's not as bad, because most abilities are more action oriented and because secondary attacks are very important.
I would cite regulation, but I know you will simply ignore it.