in 9 years as F/O i have only once been told to engage a/p after t/o at about 500 agl. checker wanted to see me "manage automation". when i am given sector i hand fly until, at a minimum clean. this, depending on weight, can be anywhere from 3000 feet to 7000 feet (plus or minus a bit for all you pedantic types). usually on approach sine I am so shagged from not sleeping and flying 12 or so hours, landing at 5 am, i leave a/p in until 1000 feet or runway in sight/cleared to land, makes life easier in the event of G/A.
If I ever do a regional flight a/p off at 10,000.
It is what I do, have always done in previous life and a t CX. never been criticized, critiqued, tormented about it.
But that is me and my experience here...
i am an underachiever among overachievers..