Yes, I think the the large DOF is sometimes a disadvantage.. however, these shots could not have been taken in a quicker fashion if had spent time focusing. The 2nd shot was taken in about 1.5sec while I was walking - in true Point and Shoot fashion. Plus, you can always create fake narrow DOF.
Bill: in MF, you can lock the focus at a particular point and it will stay there, as long as the camera is turned on.