There were several SESMA events on the Airbus fleet when crews were taking the auto-thrust out in order to "practice for their next sim check"
I was always amazed at this idea. If all you want to do is 'practice' basic flying then something is wrong with your daily routine. If you are not competent nor confident then a couple of 'practices' will not solve the problem. There is an old story of someone taking this to the extreme when on a ferry between to close airports they flew it on 1 engine: to practice for the sim. I think it was a no tea no biscuits consequence.