The a/c ...
I own a 2000.
To set the climate control you have to set the temperture to what you wish (the degrees), press the Vent setting to AUTO, and set the fan to AUTO.
What happens is that the auto climate takes over adjusting the temperature (a/c or heater) in the cab according the the temp readings of the sensors on the console. It will adjust automatically the airflow and temp from the various vents independently located in the truck to maintain set temp.
THe only thing one has to remember is that if the console itself is very hot or cold you have to set the Auto Temp accordingly.
Personally, since I got the hang of how to adjust the Auto Climate Control, I couldnt do with out it. But I dont think it should weigh that heavily in your decision making.
;Dr;