Assumption: Autoattack uses substantially less server process than clicking attack until a territory is taken.
Sometimes you want to
a) whittle an opponent to a certain level (not take the territory)
b) want to ensure that you have a certain number of armies remaining.
Suggestion:
An attack until button which allows you to set when to stop attacking - based on how many armies you have left, or how many armies are left on the territory you are attacking.
This should speed game play and reduce server load.