Exactly. Consider that automation would be pointless if replacing N foo-craftsmen with foo-machines necessitated the hiring of N equally expensive foo-machine

Exactly. Consider that automation would be pointless if replacing N foo-craftsmen with foo-machines necessitated the hiring of N equally expensive foo-machine repairmen and assemblers. Automation reduces jobs, wages, or both. Nevertheless, we should embrace it. Increasingly strong social safely nets can be used to take up the slack.