So you think
The autothrust does not "control" the speed
I disagree.
You might want to read your FCOM again. 
Here is a direct quote from the FCOM, DSC-22-30 Auto flight - Flight Guidance - Autothrust - general:
The autothrust system, when active:
‐ Controls the aircraft speed or Mach in SPEED/MACH mode
In your own words:
... a thorough understanding of how the automation systems work and interact is important.
Last edited by a_pilot; 25th Mar 2016 at 07:54.