DevSecOps automation tools aim to integrate security into the development lifecycle, promising streamlined workflows and enhanced security coverage. However, teams often discover challenges such as productivity bottlenecks, overwhelming tool ecosystems, and underwhelming compliance outcomes. Automation can introduce new burdens that disrupt developer focus and strain organizational resources. To truly assess the value of these tools, organizations must balance security needs with practical implementation at scale. DevSecOps automation promises a transformative shift in how security integrates within development pipelines, catching vulnerabilities early, streamlining compliance, and creating a culture of shared responsibility between teams. However, these promises often fail to account for critical gaps, such as balancing comprehensive security scanning with usability and overlooking contextual factors that necessitate human judgment. The allure of automation can obscure complexities and hidden costs, leading to productivity bottlenecks, tool sprawl, and integration overhead. Organizations must go beyond surface-level promises and unravel the deeper impacts on productivity, culture, and ROI. A hybrid approach that leverages automation for efficiency but retains a deliberate focus on accountability, intent, and the evolving regulatory landscape is essential. The hidden labor behind AI-powered security tools, organizational misalignment, and cultural costs can have significant consequences if not addressed. To overcome these challenges, organizations must adopt a smarter, cost-aware DevSecOps strategy that balances agility, security, and efficiency while addressing organizational realities.