The few times I use mine unloaded is when I am getting off the highway especially if the off ramp is as short as the one on my way to work. I will say that auto mode was better after my truck was tuned than before due to the shift points and the fact that it stays in whatever mode you last had it in even when you turn off the truck.
I hope he likes his new truck. It doesn't really matter to me how people use their truck or whether they actually need it for its purpose. Whether it is a sports car that never sees the track, an off road vehicle that never leaves the pavement, or a 4 door car that never carries more than two people. It is their money to buy what they choose and it helps the economy.