I agree with you Laurie in fact I think autumn sowing is a bit of a waste of time, at least to me it is!
It just creates another task that I consider non essential.
Now if I didn't have a heated greenhouse I might think differently, but as I have, I find a January sowing soon catches up with those that have been sown in autumn.
This is is a trial method I have used for the last couple of years.
I find I have less rotting off and I see progress very quickly, I only give a spray as when required so watering is minimal if any!
I then transplant these chits into 3" pots as you do!
So basically they look after themselves!