I don’t see automation being too much of a problem in Australia where most pilots seem to get a solid grounding in developing hands on flying skills in GA or the Military. No one I’ve flown with has displayed ‘blind reliance on automation’.
I have seen a few strange ideas and quietly watch newbies mess around and learn the limitations of the box. When it all becomes too hard they disconnect the a/p or the lnav/vnav and it’s all under control again. All part of the learning process.
The problem lies with the introduction of the MPL and the reasons are obvious.