Also note that he does not say that Airbus does not encourage pilots to hand-fly at all, merely that it is not recommended when flying the line. Hand-flying *should* be taught as part of recurring training - either in the simulator or on the real aircraft if necessary.
I just flew from CDG to the US in the right seat of a 777. Weather good at both ends. Hand-flew to 18,000 on climbout. Hand flew from 3000' down on the visual approach. I consider it my duty to keep my hand-flying skills sharp. To do less would be lazy. The day I can't do this I will find another job.
Hand-flying only during recurrent? Go play the piano once every six months and see what happens to your performances.....
That said, I don't hand-fly at cruise.