Hi SID; yes, I reckon a few thousand hours in each type qualifies.
Seriph, if you look at FCOM3 you will see that it is against Airbus SOP to fly a visual circuit with the autopilot. ('At the beginning of downwind, deselect FD'). Further, there are times when a manual circling approach is required, whether the pilot likes it or not. That is the time when he/ she had better be able to fly the airplane. Depending on pilot ability, there can be a big difference between a 'demanding' approach and a'dangerous' one, to use your phrase.
Don't forget, the conditions in BAH that night were neither demanding nor dangerous. Clear skies, serviceable aircraft. It was only dark.....