I guess it depends on what you're planning on cooking, and if those programs cover your needs.

I had an Advantium in my last house (for 6.5 years) and always used the programs. With the combination of convection oven, microwave, halogen lights, and cooking duration, it would take a lot of experimentation to find the right settings for each variable. I wouldn't have a clue what the optimal combo is to speed cook 6 chocolate chip cookies, for example. The Advantium made it easy because GE's experts already figured that out-- just scroll through the menu and find your food. I only used manual controls if I was using it as a standard convection oven or microwave, but never for combination speed cooking.

I haven't used any other speed oven, so I can't comment on their ease of use.

I've had my Advantium (240v) for 1.5 years and I agree with @Ryan B. I use the presets & I wouldn't have a clue where to start with developing my own settings. (That wouldn't definitely take the speed out of it!) The only time I use manual controls is when using microwave or convection only. I haven't used any other speed oven.