So perhaps a different approach in training, more away from training for the test?
I like that one S76H, but your earlier
In order to make sound decisions, one needs to know the system, but also when hand flying might be more appropriate (i.e. because it gives quicker responses than many a/p systems would).
implies a black/white choice. What one actually needs to know is what level of automation is appropriate. HDG & ALT seems to me to be a good intermediate step which doesn't demand rapid adoption of IF scan and 'feel'.
But, you see, that's the sort of thing that (have I said this before?) TRAINING would improve.