Barbie
"had to slide his seat forward and got to work." I hope this is not literally true cos he should have had it right where it was needed if he was PF! However, I've seen lots of it from auto-complacent pilots - many of them experienced Captains. A sudden failure of the automatics (in the sim in a climbing turn) usually brings a healthy does of reality after the first WTHIT!
You're all correct guys. In short, know your aeroplane - autoflight and manual and keep your skills up on both. Use automation when it's sensible and handfly also when the weather and circumsances are suitable.