It might be called "auto trim" but "trimming" seems to be only part of it's function. From descriptions here and in the reports it sounds more like a form of "power assisted steering". It sounds like when you call for a lot of up/down elevator it's the auto-trim that (eventually) delivers a large part of it?
With that in mind I'm unclear why the auto trim function is lost in direct law? Let me re-phrase that.. I can see why automatic control might have to disconnect but not why the pilot should be left with reduced maximium control throws and have to use manual trim to supliment them?
The available throw from the trim system seems to be very large? Under what conditions do you need so much up/down trim? Landing only?
or am I missing something?