Basic pilot training was more difficult than today. Yes, we really did stalling, spinning, steep turns, recovery from unusual attitudes etc.
For what it's worth, my basic training in 2008 included the requirement to demonstrate proficiency in stalling, spinning, steep turns and recovery from unusual attitudes (VMC, IMC full panel and IMC partial panel). We did full aerobatics as well (albeit not to a competition standard!).
Ten years flying the Airbus, and both operators encouraged manual flying during line operations. I took advantage of that at every opportunity, and when I became a captain I encouraged my first officers to do the same. Is it necessarily sensible to avail yourself of manual flying opportunities on a busy SID in the London TMA? Probably not. Airmanship probably dictates that in such situations you should make use of the various automated systems available. However, at a quiet airfield, and if the company SOPs allow you to hand-fly, why not click it all off at 20000'?