Hi Airbus Girl,
I agree. I've noticed some pilots won't admit when the work load exceeds their spare capacity and treat re-engagement of the autopilot as a sign of defeat.
It's possibly a hang over from the old days when in the sim, it was a requirement to do everything (except the briefing) with the AP disengaged.
The B.M. accident at Kegworth highlighted the disadvantage of hand flying with a high work load which resulted in the wrong diagnosis of their problem.