It depends on ur local Civil Aviation Regulator.. In most countries, a LAME is required to do it and sign for it. Practically its almost impossible to do so all the time, so the Lame may show u how to do it once, then if he/she's happy with ur competence, ur on u own, and no record is kept... BUT u cannot touch the pedals unless u have had a quick removal kit fitted as mentioned above
I know how u feel, I had the same argument with one Chief Engineer 1 time as I had always done it myself; but he was legally correct; a few beers later, we kissed and made up lol
Cheers
Skyking2