Sorry Warlock, gotta agree with "line ops is not considered the time to practice handling skills".
I think you will find this is the same in many airlines around the world (certainly was the case at the last 2 British carriers I was with).
I for one don't feel the need to "practice" on the line, and I think most of us have the experience to be able to cope if all the automatics "dropped off line". KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid).
Having said that, I do disagree with the other 92,000 stupid policies!!!!!
Cheers