you can counter an auto with an awp fairly easy, but if you're losing rounds and can't afford to buy an awp that's where autos become an issue
and yeah, that's why they can close out a game when the other team is struggling with money. I'm not sure if there's a better way to counter an auto because even at close range they can just spam it without the scope, and generally land at least two shots on you. the tagging with the auto is so ridiculous too that if the first shot hits you you're a sitting duck afterwards
