I quite like it when the Capt swithces the auitomatics off. It increases my workload SLIGHTLY not too much and I pay more attention, making an alt bust less likely. That is unless he is a fool or well out of practice.
It is possible in the aircraft I fly to have a SINGLE failure and lose the three autopilots and the flight directors (if the MCP panel fails). I want to be able to practice manual flying, even at busy places and IMC, as it is DIFFERENT to flying it on a nice day.
If it is too dangerous, then by definition we should declare an emergency when we take the automatics out. If you are at the stage where it is that dangerous then you really should build up your skills again. The sim is not the place to do it, as we are hardly ever in it. Perhaps we get 10 mins at the end to practice something after the boxes have been ticked. That is not nearly enough.
A good scan and the ability to fly the aircraft as well as chat, listen to the radio, keep situational awareness, ident navaids etc will increase capacity (size of bucket) greatly.
Having said that, the autopilot is a great tool and improves capacity (by taking balls out) and should be used where it helps, especially in non normal situations.
If I can't fly an approach to CAT 1 minimums reliably, every time, I want to take LOADS more fuel so I never get in the situation where I will need to.