In recent high profile accident reports there’s been lots of talk about mode confusion, lack of communication etc. Less about pitch+power to save the day.
What will pitch+power do if you don't monitor your flight path. If descent is not what was intended then stop it. If speed is not going in the intended direction reverse it. Use of automation requires same amount of scan. Only you don't effect the changes but watch them happening. That is why look at FCU only to locate the button, then watch the FMA to see it happening. Do it any other way and one day you get caught. In this case not one or two but three wrong button were pushed. Playing piano.