The normal procedure for flight in moderate or worse turbulence is
1) set speed to Va or less
2) maintain wings level / maintain heading
3) maintain angle of attack (or pitch attitude if you like) and accept any altitude fluctuations
One can do the above with most modern autopilots (provided it has not disconnected as a result of the turbulence); what one should not do is fly in altitude hold mode because that will create extra stress on the airframe.
Same procedure if flying without an autopilot.
SAS, I don't disagree with you. I just think that things could be improved. As regards JFK JR, doesn't that lead to an argument that there should be no night flight without an instrument capability? I doubt he knowingly embarked on a flight into known IMC, but it's easily done at night.