interfering with the aircraft systems is clearly beyond the competence of a checker on a passenger flight and shouldn't be without consequence.
being unable to fly raw data approaches in limits in any kind of weather MUST not be without consequence ,is a more and more common and alarming phenomenon.
solely blaming the check airmen for this incident would be disguising the lack of handling skills ( provided the press tells the truth).
SOPs encouraging the use of automation may be well intentioned tools to reduce workload in busy situations, but they must not result in decreasing proficiency.
what's your excuse when the autopilot kicks out on a gusty and demanding approach?
remember the air france accident at toronto?
"After the autopilot had been disengaged, the pilot flying increased engine thrust in reaction to a decrease in airspeed and a perception that the aircraft was sinking. The power increase contributed to an increase in aircraft energy and the aircraft deviated above the flight path."