What is missing for old farts like us is the rotary motion of the dial ASI which is a far better clue than scrolling numbers, sliding tapes or fancy green arrows.
As a fellow old fart I would heartily agree. In my experience the speed tape takes more time to gain any useful information once my attention returns to it having moved on to some other task. Unlike the bugged needle and clock face which gives an instantaneous representation, allowing me more time to keep all the other balls in the air.
I suspect this is manifestation of unfamiliarity and of oldfartedness however, and I expect the younger guys or at least those who still monitor their A/S when the AT is engaged, don't have a problem with it.