Well I now understand how this happens. We use 830 Unified Controllers in some of our course deliveries. The 830 apparently does not include the autonomous image when it adopts the AP and downloads firmware. I have no clue why. Seems like an oversight or bug to me.
At any rate, you can restore the autonomous image to the AP if you're lucky enough to have MSM 760 controllers. The 760 will include the autonomous image so when it adpots the AP it will download it and the "Switch to Autonomous Mode" button will now work.
If anyone from 830 Unified engineering is listening - please include the autonomous image in your next firmware release or please point me to an image that currently includes it.
Thanks - Walt