Until the mid 90's the ultimate proof of ability was always the engine out non-precision approach, flown manually in a stiff crosswind, in limiting weather conditions. This was a simulator check, of course, but it was certainly the definitive test of handling skill, instrument scan and situational awareness. A significant percentage could not pass this item at the first attempt. Somewhere along the line it was decreed that exercises of this nature, and even VMC approaches, were best performed on automatics. Situational awareness and basic handling ability seem to have deteriorated ever since.