It is mere rote memory now.
For many items, such is fine ... however
(a) some things, in general, require a deeper level of understanding to cover the oddball situation
(b) in respect of weight control ... the "specialists" ought to have a moderately deep understanding of the basics ..
All you had to do was read and understand the manual, and fill out the trim sheet correctly.
I concur with this sentiment in respect of routine pilot applications .. but see (b) above. In my experience, due to the variety of trimsheet design .. I have seen some very innovatively incorrect ways to complete trimsheets .... and the less that pilots get routine practice in doing the things .. the more will their basic skills atrophy.
Much the same as stick and rudder skills amongst the button pushing brigade ...
Not too sure what the answer to this problem is in an increasingly regimented world of aviation ...