Sycamore,
"....or you have a blockage" - in which case the engine failing would have been the first symptom rather than a caption.
With regard to the Engine driven pumps, it's not the EC way, it is the Turbomeca way and, I believe that it's also the way that P&W do it on the "P" versions.
EC do not say or imply that the Tx Pumps are automatic.
The autopilot is a 3 axis one so there is no collective part to it - all "manoeuvres" are accomplished with the cyclic with the pilot adjusting the power. As for a "temporary" disconnect of the holds, this is achieved by the pilot moving the cyclic - once it's "let go of", the holds are once again engaged.