My auto doesnt require primer puffs, doesnt get damaged from dripping either. If it does leak (which has sofar been impossible, started to drown & gurgle after 8 drops when i tested and i stopped dripping. i only know where the liquid comes out from blowing it out) the liquid comes out a little hole in the side, not the big one on the bottom, which is pressed against the hole in the batt, making it impossible for liquid to get into the batt. And this is my cheapy $30 NicStick from my local gas station, though they do have a site(where the same kit i got for $30 is $50, HA) so i figure its decent as any other regular 510.
So i don't understand the problems with auto batts. Mine works great and i never knew about the priming or dripping thing til after i'd been using it and dripping for a week with no probs.