No-autopilot aircraft in commercial ops of 19 or more pax should be banned. This is 2004 for god's sake! Make one of those beancounters fly without an A/P. Pilots do not need practice at flying straight and level: there is plenty of opportunity to practice hand-flying during takeoff, landing and during pracci instrument approaches for them to maintain their stick-and-rudder skills. A/Ps significantly reduce crew workload and improve flight safety.
Besides, how can one read the paper and fly at the same time??!!