I agree with most of those points, Stuka
The question of this thread is "Why is automation dependancy encouraged in modern aviation?"
It is human nature to do the easiest thing - we don't follow the footpath all the way to the end if we can cut the corner by walking across the grass. When we drive our cars, how many of us willingly use a paper map or our memory of a route ? No, obviously we use SatNav. How many drivers of automatic cars use their automatic gearboxes in manual mode?
If you are on a punishing airline roster or didn't sleep too well in the hotel, (but are not actually fatigued), then it is easier to fly using the automatics, and most pilots flying busy rosters in busy airspace will probably use the automatics. As soon as you start using good, well integrated automatics - and not all of them are - it is very hard to break away back to manual flying, because you know you are rusty and will look less than expert if you attempt it on the line. But of course this becomes a vicious circle.
How do pilots keep their skills sharp ? Since most pilots will use the easiest option and won't remember to manually fly - that is human nature - I believe it will have to be mandated in some way by chief pilots. A bit like paying taxes - you wouldn't do it unless there was some sort of pressure !