I get the concept behind the question. The more you automate, the less you are required to know. For example, if you can program dry, moderate and sweet mash profiles then you may never take the time to learn about enzymes and how to balance temperature trade-offs.
However this is a full spectrum and most homebrewers are somewhere in the middle. When I brew, I don't have a button that says "beer" and when I push it magic happens. I also don't malt my own barley and culture wild yeast (although both would be really fun to try!)
To me it boils down to why someone homebrews and for most of us I think it is a combination of enjoying the process as well as the finished product. Long way of saying that no, it isn't cheating, but it also isn't the solution for everyone.
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