Re: Better pilot when I was an Instructor.....
FFF
Mixture of reasons. Essentially the emphasis is one of management, rather than raw flying - with long periods spent in the cruise. The maximum use of automation is aslo encouraged.
Winter season plays a part, Low-vis procedures requiring autoland ect..
I would emagine the 757 lends itself more to hand flying, due to being older technology, and a more conventional aeroplane.
In my limited experience of airline flying, the skipper on the day, has a bearing on the amount of hand flying. Some do and some dont.
Im looking forward to instucting on a part-time basis, especially if there is a tailwheel to do it on!