the autopilot does a better job than any of us and although we have to be there to back it up I have never needed to do it thus far.
Interesting debate.
In the sixteen years I've flown my current aeroplane IFR, I've experienced five autopilot failures (3 servos, 2 flight computer). Mine is a 1986 King KFC200 and, talking to others with the same kit, that seems par for the course. Those with the newer KFC225 report a similar story. It may be that the S-TEC and now Garmin autopilots are much more reliable but, given the nature of this system, periodic failures are inevitable.
So, whilst I agree that "hand flying is a very poor second choice" in serious IMC, it's something that you're going to face from time to time. And, perversely, the less you do it, the riskier it becomes. For that reason, I make a point of
only hand flying during the 5 to 6 hours of IR continuation training that I undertake on an annual basis. Not a great deal to fall back on, I know, but at least it's something.