The pattern editor is also great for parameter lock style automation. You can set it to slide between values or keep them stepped.Ooh nice ideas! (But I'm lazy so normally I just use StepFX for that kind of thing.)
Region Automation is better when you want nice curves though. The automation curve tool is pretty cool for making lots of shapes. You can make them once then just copy/paste or option-drag.
If you use templates, save a few in an empty audio track. You can then option drag them into any track, midi or audio — And you can drag pattern editor regions into audio tracks too!