Automation is fine. It does not always work the way is supposed to. If you have experience with it, it may be easier to understand that point.
What really matters is pilots reacting to and taking control when it does not go as planned. If pilots spend most of their time in the cockpit just pressing buttons, it leaves them less able to respond correctly when required.
Just my opinion, can't back it up with any statistics.
My company requires a hand flown single engine ILS approach and maybe go around during the yearly maneuvers validation checkride.. it is often dreaded, but a great way among. other problems to make sure your skills are where they should be.