Ha! At last, a question that even I can answer! Dlen asked:
Is it a regular practice on normal flights in flight phases with no stress (weather, hurry, ...) to fly with autopilot off, with the intent to keep the feeling for the airplane handling and the routine checks of AOA, speed, horizon, thrust alive?
One would think so, especially after it was concluded during the AF447 investigation that pilots would greatly benefit from this. BUT! Here's the rub:
It is strongly discouraged by (most) airlines, even prohibited, because A/P can do a better, more efficient job (cheaper) of keeping the airplane stable during this very tight-enveloped phase of flight.
Our safety is being traded-off for bucks. Hope I got this right.