Tee eem,
Interesting thread indeed,some great observations and points being made.I have flown jet A/C for many years,the only way I've ever got close to getting those skills back was to buy an 85hp Taylorcraft,with the basic six pack,and spend days hand flying,short Cross country's and practicing approaches at various airports.
Flying for a major airline ,because of the obvious costs,will never allow you to regain those lost skills,impossible.The amount of information and "must-do" maneuvers associated with current training and check rides are geared to an automated system,not basic skills,and you can only do do much in a 4 hr session,and debrief every 6/9/12 month cycle.
We have introduced a "stall series" training session, prompted by the AirFrance accident.Not sure what to say about that,other than if you haven't figured out stall recognition and recovery by this stage,wtf are you flying this type of equipment for.We seem to gear our Sim sessions around current issues or problems.With the limited amount of time allowed basic flying skills get pushed to the wayside.More and frequent sim sessions cannot hurt,then again putting an 85 hp Taylorcraft through its paces never hurt either