The Airbus policy on Autobrake is one which is becoming more and more reliant on the automatic system. In fact, the FCOM is due to be updated to recommend Autobrake for all landings unless the pilo thinks otherwise.
The A340-500/600 representeed a major step in the Autobrake philosophy for Airbus with a brilliant idea to add more than 2 landing modes (which are incidently pin-programmable so those of you with a squashewd nose in MED can always do something about it!).
Mode LO was increased, mainly because the pilots were concerned about the onset. This is partyly due to the fact that the MLG are so far behind the pilot!!
Disengagement of Autobrake is computer controlledwith a nice smooooth pressure drop to avoid spillage of coffee. Brake wear levels are impossible to judge between pedal and autobraking. At least with Aurobrake, you know what your supposed to get!