This is a tough question.  I've always said that a GOTO scope is a powerful tool for an experienced observer, but a crutch for the newbie.  That's why I'm such a big proponent of learning the sky with binoculars before getting a scope, especially a GOTO scope.

I think that the biggest form of dissatisfaction with GOTO scopes is that newbies expect to see the gazillion objects that the scope points to.  These GOTO scopes are normally too small in aperture to give good (or even decent) views of anything other than the moon, planets, and bright Messier objects.  That's why few are dissatisfied with the big LX200s/Nexstars and many are frustrated with the smaller ETXs or the entry consumer scopes, aside from a general quality issue.  

We must have a balanced perspectives.  There are many different scope types for many different people.  What usually happens is that we all end up owning one of each type. But the question is, which type do we start with?  A GOTO scope is very powerful for advanced applications such as astrophotography, but it is hardly a necessity for the beginner.  Though gadget freaks like me will definitely enjoy them.

For the reasons named above, a GOTO scope is probably not the scope to begin with unless you can start with a scope in the 8" LX200/Nexstar range.  And at that level of financial commitment, I'm not too concerned that even beginners will not work hard to learn the sky.  At that point, observing is not about looking at objects, but more about knowing what the objects are that you are observing.  

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