because I believe it is being driven by the airlines who want to cut training costs
I believe that this is a big issue that has been conveniently swept under the carpet. The regulator is to scared to call them on it so the airlines get away with diminishing the standard of training and once again it is up to the pilot to effectively teach himself how everything fits together.
As we all know an A/P can do the job far better than us mere mortals hence the word 'safety' becomes the prime reason for such a high level of automation.
Most of the time yes, however I have seen 3 instances where the autopilot couldn't cut it and the human took over and did a better job. Autopilots are excellent servants but don't make very good masters.