Kinte probably meant that automation do make long hours of hand flying easier if one uses the auto systems but during critical phases of flight such as approach and landings, manual flying allows the pilot to " feel " the performance of the airplane, hence it is easier to sense what is wrong if there is a problem as the whole body and senses are in " sync " with the task at hand. Flying the automatics remove this " Synergy " with the aircraft, so it is in fact more difficult and one has to be ever vigilant visually and aurally especially on the Airbus.
Well, having said that I think all you mischievious fellas know what he meant but since he burst " your superiority bubble " there is nothing more to do than to needle him...tsk, tsk, tsk. Big loss of face
