To throw in a second viewpoint: 99% of the time I open the extension, it is to trigger auto-fill. I don't like having my credentials auto-fill on page load, I like to be the one to trigger it.
That being said, I also hated the change that hid the copy buttons, but they have a setting that brings them back.
You may know this, but they introduced a feautre that lets you use Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+L in order to trigger auto-fill. I have disabled autofill on pageload but LOVE this shortcut key.
I'm with you about not wanting the autofill, but I use the key combo mentioned below in nearly 100% of cases.
The vast majority of the time I'm opening the extension popover it's because the key combo failed to autofill (site doesn't support it) and I need to manually copy/paste.
For extra fun - the Key combo is customizable if you don't like ctrl-shift-L
Just hit up chrome://extensions/shortcuts and change the combo to something you'd like.
That being said, I also hated the change that hid the copy buttons, but they have a setting that brings them back.