"If pilots can't do these rather simple exercises, how much easier can it be made?"
A. Computer, Pilot, Dog.
B. UAV.
Whilst in no way suggesting that any pilot worth his Salt is unable to pull a handle; at 4am on an Icy night with an Emergency turn, high terrain and an inexperienced F/O, it might take "The Crew" in their combined wisdom and experience to get it all done.
i.e: Check, Check and Check again.