Pofman - in the cruise, the pedals are about level because the fin is doing some of the anti torque work for you - if you took off the fin you would have to fly with more left pedal (in CC-wise helo). Enter auto and that lift from the fin is still trying to turn the nose left/tail right (even at reduced speed for normal auto) so TR thrust must be used to counter it - right pedal in this case.
That lift from the fin is what helps you if you have a TR failure in the cruise - most helos are capable of maintaining straightish flight at high cruise speeds in this condition.
I know this is effectively what Nick and RVDT said but I hope in a less technical form.