Quite right 411A; it is not so much a question of overstressing the fin by initial large rudder inputs, it is a question of causing a divergent lateral mode to develop which may lead to overcontrol, departure fromcontrolled flight, overstress, structural failure and an accident.
Without prejudice in any way to the deceased, one wonders quite how much in the way of manual flying is practised these days by most airline pilots.
..and yes, the A300 is not a FBW aeroplane.