The B737 FCTM states: "Boeing recommend that whenever runway limited, using higher than normal approach speeds, landing on slippery runways or landing in a crosswind, the autobrake system be used.
In short, you do not need to use the autobrakes unless any of the above conditions apply. Mind you, there may be a good case for using the autobrakes if an early turn off is planned at certain runways. In other words a virtual performance limit landing.
Since the majority of landings are safely outside those described in the above FCTM extract, it could be argued there is no operational need for autobrake use as SOP for all landings; not forgetting the additional tyre wear and brake heating that must occur with instant braking at spin up.
Manual braking requires a certain amount of panache and skill; whether used early or later in the landing run. Autobraking requires no special skills. One only has to observe in simulator training the swerving along a runway as autobrake aficionados try their unpracticed hand (or should I say, feet) at manual braking.
On reflection, perhaps that is why some pilots love autobrakes
An observer could easily gain the impression that autobrake use is overdone - to the extent that pilots turn it into a standard operating procedure (company directed or pilot choice) -even though there is no obvious operational requirement.
Maybe this shows up as just another example of lazy flying techniques along with automation dependancy (see numerous current posts on that subject