I see a consistent argument here and when hangar flying when this subject comes up. Yes, the AP does provide for a better ride than when hand flying. My counter is that somewhere, sometime the AP has to come off. Be it deferred, turbulence kicks it off, SOP requires, etc.
You still have to maintain some semblance of handflying skills to cover those occasions. If there are a few whitecaps in the coffee in first class to maintain your proficiency, then so be it.