One example: I have a bunch of segments to slate, I'd like to create a macro that goes 20 seconds back from the beginning of a segment, mark in, go +9:29, mark out, record, go forward to next edit. Repeat ad nauseum.

I know there are unsupported 3rd party solutions that may or may not work, but we can only use programs that our engineering department determines are necessary and that they install on the computer.  So I'm counting on Avid here.

Mate I have mantioned this before. I started editing in a linear suite 13 years ago and I had macros. There are so many thing that could be done quicker with Macros. When Photoshop added Automation a few years ago I thought Avid would see the light but they didn't.

It is the single most important feature Avid could add if you ask my opinion.

Personally I hope FCP adds this feature so Avid will copy it. 

I am probably going to upset a few people with this next statement but I love Avid so bear that in mind.

Avid needs to innovate, not just with back end shared storage systems and new formats which they do so well, but by improving the general day to day user experience.

Macros would be a great start.

Hey lets one up it.  Don't just add automation/macros/actions, you could have them saved as a seperate file so that you can trade them with other people.

Yes, please!! We don't need a whole library of macros, but an easy to store a few for those occasions where you have a repitive task a macro or two would be great!!