I agree tourist. My airline has recently banned FD off manual flight. British Airways does not allow pilots on FBW types to disconnect operative autothrust in flight at all. BA do however allow pilots to book free sim time to practice handling or whatever they want. How long before some accountant gets hold of that and tries to sell the time or whatever? How many locos will follow that positive example?
Where is the opportunity to practice? Manual flight following the flight directors, however much one may try to look through them is not quite as helpful. I agree that enthusiasm is the key, but how many of the next generation are exposed to these forms of ideas? Most of what I have learned in this regard came from old and bold captains (in my case mainly Italians) who could fly the aircraft to its safe limits rather than from my employer, who taught me the SOP manual.