Rottenray and Desert, I agree with you 100%!!! I became a pilot because I like to fly! I didnt become a pilot to be flown by an autopilot. I've flown the occasinal flight in my jet in its entirety by hand with no flight director. Typically I Just take it up to altitude and fly it back down though. Its amazing how smooth and precise you can fly an jet by looking at the horizon... Keep in mind, its one thing to handfly, but its another do to so smooth! Some people dont know the difference...
Ive read numerous posts on here and other websites complaning about Airbus's autothrottles. So if Airbus has autothrottle issues on approach, dont use it! Its pretty simple. As pilots we need to stay ahead of our machine. Strapping in and taking control is the best way to stay in front!