First, make sure if you go VSP, it is the Tristar and NOT the EcoStar...If your pool builder has been dealing w the EcoStar pump, then that's why he wants to go w the Super Pump.
Next. automation is a convenience factor. It also makes it easier to operate from inside your home AND remotely, plus you get a sub-panel that can control all of your equipment w extra protection and future flexibility. Have you ever wanted something and didn't buy it, then a couple of yrs later you did and you said to yourself "I wish I would have bought this 10 yrs ago". This is what automation is like. Since you live in NY, it'd be nice to be able to turn on your spa from the restaurant when you sit down so by the time you arrive home, you and your wife can hit the spa and it's ready. Or, check on your pool remotely to see if everything is working properly, etc.
Finally, I can appreciate your pool builder wanting to keep it simple and working. However, he's not living there, paying the electric bill or managing the day to day operations, you are, and your wife. And, w automation, you can operate and enjoy your pool a lot more than the normal 6 mo's of NY weather bc you can get the ball rolling while you are remote. And, each time you use a pool, the cost of your investment goes down...if you have other pool owners/nbors w automation, see what their wives think of it vs the ones that have a super pump and have to go to the freezing panel in Nov to flip a switch...hope this helps