Don't knock it til' you've tried it Hedges! It isn't all bad flying for an airline. OK, so the automatics do a lot for you but my company allows the crew to use their discretion as to how much hand flying we do. If you want to take it up to 10K by hand then you can, as long as the guy sitting next to you is happy to do the extra work for you. Similarly if it's a nice day down in Alicante then knocking out the A/P and doing a visual is not against the rules, and it's great fun, trust me.
Yes it has its downsides and you correctly mention a few but a lot depends on the type of operation you are flying. I never instructed so I can't comment on its ups and downs, just to say all the guys I know in the airlines who used to instruct loved it and are greatful for the experience. On the other hand the current instructors I know are all looking to the airlines. Something to do with living off baked beans.
Good luck with your plans for the future
