Interesting thread.
Some great posts here. There are less and less aviators in the business. We have taken in a lot of people onto the flightdeck that actually don't enjoy flying, do not take care to maintain their skills and may actually find it stressful to fly.
I truely enjoy flying, and as a longhaul 744 skipper I take every opportunity I get to practise my handling skills and scan. Flying manually most departures, arrivals and approaches either with or without F/D. The jumbo is a absolute pleasure to handle and a great joy to fly.
Enjoy your flying, pitch and power ain't king, it is religon, please practise it.
CI 4x9