Can I check my understanding as I'm not a jet pilot..
Am I correct in thinking that the trim (auto or manual) has
more control throw/authority than the side stick? In effect auto trim has changed to become a sort of "power steering" rather than just a trim?
In direct law, there is no automatic pitch trimming. The control surfaces are activated directly by the controls.
So in direct law if you need to apply a lot of down elevator (or to get rid of a lot of up elevator) the only way is to wind it in using the trim wheel?
If that's the case a minor warning message to use manual trim seems somewhat inadequate.
Edit: I can see why the auto function might have to disconnect if the instruments that control it go faulty but why can't the function that gives more control throw from the side stick be retained?