think about why u want to fly "hand off"....!?!?!?!?!??!?!
yes the effect it has in the cockpit is to relieve the pressure on the control column.... but this is because it makes it easier for us to maintain the desired attitude!!!
we set our pitch attitude through the elevator - - - - therefore if we balance the lift and drag through this control surface (with the trim tab) we will maintain our desired ATTITUDE by maintain our desired ANGLE OF ATTACK!!!
..... (it isnt just so you can have nice floppy wrist and fly without getting a wrist ache!!!!)