If this actually did happen, there is nothing these guys should have been confused about.
Out of 37 B744s (Pax and Freighters) and 5 B748s a total of 11 aircraft have Autostart fitted....
Even when Autostart is fitted, monitoring the start is a must.
In any case I doubt this happened...
Could just be a re-spin of another airlines incident at LFPG in the 90s.
Crew had just taken delivery of a brand new -400 in Paris (a few days after the delivery flight from Everett), and had to date been using another airlines -400 sim fitted with autostart.
IIRC They started 4 and 3 together and were clueless as to why both motors went to !!!!. (No autostart fitted).
Just like CX...Penny wise, Pound foolish
The only reason the 6 ERF's have it is because it became a standard and no longer a customer option on the ER/ERF. Same reason why they have taxi lights, etc. etc.