I have confidence in the automatics, they allow me capacity to MANAGE the situation, hand flying decreases that capacity.
Be careful with that. The automatics can subtly go on vacation and quickly generate sensory overload, especially in IMC.
Have seen new schooled F/Os trying to correct an automation/programming anomaly by introducing more automatics instead of instantly going manual to first reestablish correct flight path control. (We are 300 feet above assigned FL with altitude alert, and I have to take the controls from the F/O who was still dabbling with A/P modes). Unfortunately, current training mind-set has drifted into a dangerous trend of doubting our hand flying skills.
