chrisN, all aircraft i've flown i always want to see how they handle at altitude so i don't get a big surprise one day. I think everyone should hand fly a 2000 ft level change at 38000 ft +every now and again.
Sim's are no use as they handle the same at 5000 ft as they do at 41000 ft. which actually i find criminal, as the authorities don't insist the algorithms being programed. Also these days the snitch box (QAR) will tell on you for taking the automatics out at height, but luckily I fly for a decent airline that will turn a blind eye to the ah hem the tech log knocking the auto pilot off. As for Bonnin, i do not wish to talk ill of the dead but i expect he had none or very very little stick time at high altitude.