We must constantly remember "Currency", especially if it is only the "legal" definition of currency, is not to be confused in anyway as being "proficiency".
My experience teaching in Sim's was far too many Pilots release the AP and try to fly manually when things got all pear shaped.
Last time I checked....AutoPilots are fearless, do not have emotions, ignore psychological pressures, ignores stress....and do a fine job of flying helicopters and do what they are told.
If the stated goal was a straight ahead cruise climb from about 1100 feet to 4000 feet.....how hard should it be if done manually....and even easier if it was done using the AP?
A 76 with all the kit working should be one of the easiest helicopters to fly as exist.
All that being said.....we are back to guessing what. might have happened and why that is not what was done.