1.
We are not like BA and we allow Manual Thrust on the A320 but not the A321. Most Capt's encourage manual flying but only when conditions allow -- taking the A/P out leaving the OCK hold at LHR might be frowned at, but downroute a lot of the destinations require a visual or non-precision approach to a visual.
2.
We do fly monitored approaches as per BA - BMed don't I hear. You get used to them -- I hated them at first but quite like em especially on the long flights and more interesting approaches.
3.
Depends - No news is good news - any +ve feedback is by phone usually.