During playback, rather than override automation on click, Bitwig could override the automation if you actually drag the mouse while the mouse button is held down. The click itself still should show whatever automation is selected. Then users can edit the automation lane with the Pencil or mouse while hearing results in realtime.
What problem(s) would this feature resolve?
This takes away the step of having to press Shift-A whenever the user selects a new perimeter they want to edit with their mouse, during playback.
How does this feature fit in Bitwig as a product?
This features enhances Bitwig’s usage as a real-time music composition tool, even in linear editing mode with a standard computer input device.
Is there already an alternative way to achieve this on Bitwig?
You can achieve this functionality by clicking on the parameter you want to edit knob, but only if the sequencer is stopped. You can also achieve this functionality by pressing “Restore Automation Control” or Shift-A every time you click a parameter.
Could it be implemented using Bitwig components or APIs, without Bitwig team’s support?
No
Could it be provided by a VST or something else reasonably integrated with Bitwig?
See above.
Are there other products that offer this feature?
Ableton Live, Logic Pro.