Auto brake has eroded pilots’ braking skills ie. a lot of guys who use auto brake for every landing seem to be incapable of judging the braking effort required from touchdown to a specific exit whilst using manual brakes. Skills must be practiced regularly otherwise they will diminish. There is nothing wrong or even uncomfortable with heavy braking provided it is progressive and smooth ie. don’t rapidly change the deceleration rate - smooth increase, smooth decrease of braking effort. Brake for safety first, comfort second and economy third.