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I have been involved in astronomy since I was 9 and I am now about to turn 59. In that time much has changed. More and better equipment available to amateurs. No need to make everything yourself anymore. It's gone from photography (using dark room techniques) to imaging (using software techniques). The learning is part of the fun and satisfaction. This hobby is not for the impatient!
Along the way there has been a constant learning curve. Whilst it can seem like it is now plug and play it's not in reality. You will need to have a mechanical aptitude to setup, service and repair equipment. You still need to problem solve on occasions. Processing data still requires an element of skill and understanding of the science of Astronomy. Processing is about 50% of the exercise. If you think you just plug it in, walk away and then see the finished result later, you're dreaming.
As to AI sharpening, noise reduction etc I don't agree that putting garbage in you get silk out. You need good weather conditions, good setups, good guiding etc. I see AI deconvolution and noise reduction as tools only. Tools in an already very large tool box. I like many experienced astrophotographers use several programmes when processing. Some elements of processing just require the use of photoshop every single time. A few tedious aspects need automation. AI can't give me altitude based images, but it can improve the point spread function of the data and reduce the noise levels a little, but I still need to take a lot of data, it still has to be good data. That though does not make great images. There is a lot to do in processing aside from these tools. There is still a strong element of artistic leaning and understanding chemistry and knowing what looks natural when processing. There is still the need to sit and do the work to produce the results. I imagine this will be the case for some time. When it becomes purely automated, then what will be the point of doing it. The truly lazy will love it I imagine but those of us that love the maker space will still doing things the "hard" way.
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