I know many pattern editors where the pattern lane automation is directly below every single lane, instead clicking through it when selecting the lane of a pattern.
So you see directly where and what is going on and change it on the fly. Otherwise you need to select a lane and then you can change it at the bottom.
Some people would say: It takes too much space! But there could be three modes: no automation display for single lanes, a small display and te full display if wanted.
It is really handy and useful.