Actually it’s not so simple in the Max case - flying manually allows MCAS to run - AP on inhibits MCAS.
In fault mode, switching off the automatics - or thinking you have, leads to this Gotcha, where you still have a rogue system fighting you.
As it happens, leaving flap out and or AP engaged would have enabled an approach to land - but who could know that at the time?
So the macho just fly it method has its limits.