I would like to be able to exclude a specific category OR select parent categories that would include all child-cats.

Right now you have to select each and every category to use Auto Index on. The problem is that there are new child categories added all the time. So I can't expect the client to edit the plugin and add the new child-cat each time.

If this isn't possible, then here are some feature requests:
1. Categories selection to allow more control over parent vs child cats. Maybe like Advanced Module Manager's "Also on child items" options.
2. Add an Exclude Category field.

Works well!