it takes years to automate your signals. I am sure all Prop Firms are trying to get their quants to work on some new auto generated programs right now with the new market change. Everything has changed. And it's time to change with the market. But to be a new prop trader is very difficult right now. Too much false moves.
As a trader, one not only need to know when to stop trading, but also need to know to adjust his/her strategy and edge, since nothing will stay the same all the time. But there is different patterns that repeat themselves on monthly, annually basis. As a trader, if you can survive long enough to be engaged in multiple cycles, you will be able manage the adjustments along the cycles, and thus it is not a get rich fast game. As for prop traders, they are doing this on a daily basis, they need to be agile and young.