320 series autothrust works really, really well. In older aircraft it was normal practice to turn autothrottles off in anything other than smooth air. Airbus is just the opposite. It works better than most pilots - up to a point. In very gusty conditions, it is still better to turn it off. If you crash, the autothrust doesn't get blamed, the pilots do.
Unfortunately there are a number of airlines out there that require the use of autothrust in their SOP's. If you don't practice and stay proficient, "it won't be there when you need it."
But if your company doesn't allow it, you just have to be ready to take over.