RAT 5,
There is NO need in a RA to HAUL up or to be pinned down ....it should be flown accurately but gently..especially at high levels.
I see no issue with having the AT off,if you can t increase or decrease pitch gently without maintaining your speed then well...back to basics...
All the above errors I've seen performed in the sim by experienced crews
Maybe its time your Airline changes its recruitment sim sessions and add a few basic maneuvers without FD(yes oh my Lord) to weed out the addicts and ones unable to perform a maneuver as benign as an RA...