Most everyone does Non-prec. on checks as you would do them on the line, using the FMC and vnav. They're very easy to do if done right but can easily be screwed up - garbage in garbage out, so practise is required. Different completely than flying the needles, but much more accurate. Vnav gives a constant rate of decent to the runway, so no more dive & drive for most of us. (There still are some dinasours about).
The hold? Yes. Pretty regularly. Again done with the magic.
Be careful what you wish for. Much rather be fishing with beer in hand.