DC-ATE,
As you can see, most of us like our auto throttles. I agree with what you say about more automation reducing handling skills but it also frees up a few neurons for other tasks. You were probably a better handling pilot than many of us these days but we probably have more traffic to dodge than you had so need to keep an eye on the TCAS. The A/T on th 733 is prety good and is said to be able to recognise wind shear earlier than a human but it doesn't always look that way. Getting back to the left/right hand, most pilots in my company guard the thrust levers at level off as sometimes one side can malfunction and cause a large split. The 73 will roll abruptly if this is not corrected as you will remember.