Unfortunately the setting can't be changed automatically. I talked with Brother on the phone today about that. The quarter inch presser foot for my machine they sell is the same thing with a hole in the center for the needle. The rep told me it should be easy enough to remember and that's when I got a little miffed and told him that with all the bells and whistles on the machine couldn't they come up with a better foot so that you would be sure not to cause any damage if you happen to forget the setting?
I've decided that I'm going to put a little sign on the machine and always remember to unclip the foot when I turn off the machine. So it will be three simple steps......machine on/needle centered/clip on foot.