DG, I agree shutting all the automation down makes some situations much easier. I guess some people can't do that because of their experience and training. We got B737 300 automated aircraft at our airline and to do the SJC departure on automation made you look like a student pilot so always hand flew it.
Automation knew climb power and altitude capture, no smooth pilot planning type flying. I would be embarassed to use it as captain. SOP's probably require it for most airlines today. Just hang on people, we are going for a wild ride.