"...the full use of automatics is a godsend to reduce the fatigue encountered in a long days helicopter flying." Interesting comment, Wirbelsturm.
A significant number of our pilots are frequently close to the FTL limits (the limits are of course regarded as a target by the commercial department) and there are regular complaints about being fatigued. I wonder how many pilots come to work on their 5th day thinking that the automation will help them get through the 7 hours of flying and that 3rd ILS following the 4 ARAs? Another hole in the cheese is lining up as mistakes in setting up the AP are creeping in, even for those experienced on type! Would you have turned up for work if you knew you had to fly it all manually?
I agree with those who advocate more training, as opposed to testing, combined with manual flying. The latter has served me well on more than one occasion.