I've had auto transmission cars because of my disability (I have to left-foot brake) for many years. I check the transmission fluid level regularly, even though my MY07.5 Astra does not have a user-accessible dipstick (it is there, I had to use a TIS2000 CD-manual to find it). It is supposed to be 'checked by the dealer', which means once per year! Bollocks to that: yearly is too long and do they check it in any case?
Invariably the transmission fluid level never changes. With the car before last, I noticed that the fluid level suddenly dropped to half-way between high and low. On investigation, I found the hose clamps to the radiator had vibrated loose and it was dripping slowly. So you never know.
I was not aware of the no fluid replacement policy. I am not in favour of this, mineral oil deteriorates, and it also picks up debris from wear inside the gearbox. Indeed, there are filters for the ATF. In my case, I will get the dealer to change the fluid, probably every 60,000 (4 years).
Car manufacturers increase service intervals to reduce servicing costs to make their cars more attractive to fleets. But just because engine oil CAN be change yearly, or ATF fluid never changed, doesn't mean it SHOULD.
Edit: I read the thread and noticed the fluid should be changed every 60,000km in severe driving. My car does a lot of city driving, and Canberra is very hot for half the year, so this justifies changing it regularly. I will not go the Dexron route however, to play safe it will get the genuine fluid. A few hundred dollars isn't worth it. Most dealers have equipment to suck the fluid out of the gearbox, so a change is a change (however it is always worth asking the dealer).