The difference here is that no-one on the ship could be aware that APCM wasn't engaged.
In the scheme of things you sure found the absolute least important.
Perhaps the solution to your priority. problem is removing the Pilot from the situation and go Pilot-less with UAV/Drones.
Then some non-Winged Pogue could drive these thing by remote control.....but then who or what would be needed to look over that shoulder?
Did you consider why the concern about Pilots and Automation conflict exists?
The question the Board might not have asked....and answered is what effect would the Pilot correctly engaging the auto systems had on the outcome?
Is the Automation capable of accomodating pilot errors such as happened by showing up hot, high, and close aboard or would it order a Missed Approach and Go Around on its own?