Ballsout - The position you've taken is the exact point many of us rail against. We call those people "Gods of the Glass". Automation is the answer.... Heaven help us if the glass fogs over. The overwhelming majority of approaches I fly or witness(as PM/PNF or jumpseating) are handflown, typically from somewhere around 5-10,000'. A significant percentage of them are also A/T off. All of this in some of the busiest airspace in the world(NYC/ORD/MIA/DFW/LAX). It's not 'gung ho', but your position that basic flying is considered 'gung ho' is scary.
DC-ATE/Rainboe - There's a significant difference when switching from a round dial a/c to tape displays. Once your experience level on the tapes increases it's no big deal, but the transition is tough, especially if it's book training or one simulator session(true story). Airspeed and altitude can't be read at a glance on tapes, unlike round dials.
Target fixation happens fast, and sneaks up on you. That's hopefully where experience pops up and the normal scan is resumed.