Yes, we flew our 412 EPs in SAS mode for VFR stuff and ATT mode for IFR stuff - pretty much the way it was designed to be used.
For those that don't know, SAS mode is generally rate damping in pitch and roll to make the aircraft more stable but slightly less responsive - it will maintain straight and level more or less if well trimmed but will gradually wander away from any set datum. It typically has about 10% control authority and is fast acting.
ATT mode is intended to hold the aircraft attitude and return it to that attitude following a displacement - it will have 100% authority but be slower moving to prevent a runaway in an actuator being uncontrolled. ATT mode is often required to couple upper modes ie ALT hold, TAS hold, ALTA/GA etc.
Not trying to be authoritative or teach granny to suck eggs, just providing basic info for those that don't use APs.