Hi Old Fella
Re, "Time to revert to Thrust levers, cables and pulleys so that when you move the thrust lever the FCU knows about it and the pilot is in control.. "
Well, I know that technology that is labelled "progress" isn't always progress but that's a bit unfair, isn't it?
The system works extremely well. It comes down to knowing your airplane, and that means adequate documentation, good training that goes beyond mere need-to-know, and a personal standard of professionalism which keeps one "in the books" throughout the career and asking questions when one doesn't fully understand an aspect of one's machine.
Some drills and checklists are more complex than others - this one is "busy" and complex. That's what the sim is for, and I can recall practising this one a few times.
best,
PJ2...another "old fella" who flew the A320, A330 & A340 for 15 years.