To simply put, I think the game needs to create an auto-save after an encounter or before major dialog leading into a battle. Personally speaking, I didn't know there was about to be an unavoidable battle with a bunch of level 5 warriors who one shot each of my party members..... and the last time I saved was after saving someone from a burning building... It wasn't a lot of progress, I only saved 2 people and calmed down a bovine and gave a grieving widower some closure before looting a good amount of awesome stuff, and even camping to regain my spells after having to heal/put out fires. About an hour went by between the moment I saved and the time I died.
At the very least, I think that when you take a long rest, there should be an auto-save before you sleep.
I'm only slightly incredibly salty.
