B737 are not easy to overcontrol,fds dont go crazy,however basic knowledge pitch and thrust for all phases of flight is paramount to a safe flight.
FD can be off during flight,not required,even by the automatics.(basically there for take off/GA and manual flight if required).
Boeing clearly says that pilots must know basics of flying,unfortunately because airlines dont ask for a certain level of manual flying,we end up with new checklists,,such as airspeed unreliable,designed to keep the aircraft from stalling or overspeeding while they reach for the basics of pitch and thrust.
Boeing also states in their manuals that the pilot should decrease automatics if needed...that is of course pilots can handle it.
You see they still believe pilots may have more problems with automatics than with manual flying....until you see some in the sim... a real mcp piano in progress..scary yes....
But sorry im drifting again,,,back to terrorists.....