Hi Drubbing (Don't worry, you're not getting one!)
I have isolated some salient points using dots from your lament. Now let's see...
A DSLR gives you control. Well, this can be true compared to some P&S cams. But are you taking all the control it may be able to offer?
If you leave a DSLR in Auto mode then it is effectively the same as some P&Ss, perhaps with a better
lens.
You may still get "worse photos" (although you have not defined this term for your situation) if somehow you are not handling the DSLR properly.
For instance, is it the
exposure that's "not right"? Or blurriness, perhaps? Maybe the colours?...