but I think most "stick" tourers are routinely flown on the AP because the stick doesn't lend itself to quite such precise control as a yoke.
I disagree with that. After hand flying the DA40 and DA42 on some really long cross countries (600 miles+) I'd opt for a stick every time as it gives you far more precise control while comfortably resting your hand in your lap. It is also far more intuitive than a yoke which must have been invented to make planes like cars. I agree AP is great, but they do go tits up from time to time.
By the way there have been many numpties killed by IMC in PA28's (for example) so I think the parachute is a red herring and obviously saved the day in this case. You'll always get morons flying outside their experience levels in every type of aeroplane. Probably a Cirrus moron has more money than a PA38 Moron though.