Lonewolf_50, re, "
Isn't that the rub for any system in an aircraft? 
"
Yes, it certainly is.
I've been thinking that there isn't an "automation" problem, there is a knowledge problem. It is becoming apparent that a lack of knowledge of systems is the problem - the success of thousands of pilots speaks for itself.
"What's it doing now?", offered lots of times in humour, if serious, is an easily-answered question - get the CRM going, then click, click - disconnect the AP and pull the thrust levers back out of the CLB detent and use them just like ordinary throttles/thrust levers, fly the airplane, sort out what ever it was that was temporarily confusing one, re-engage when comfortable. To me, any pilot who doesn't/can't/won't disconnect the autothrust on an Airbus is admitting that they don't know their airplane. The machine flies beautifully with everything off.
PJ2