Not violating any SOP's. My airline still allows me to do a raw data approach. Obviously, I don't do it at the end of a long day, going into ORD when the wx is 200-1/2, but at some quiet class D airport- why not?

Sorry for misrepresenting you on the visual approaches. I suppose I'd find that a bit annoying. Unless APP mode is active, I find the FD distracting on a visual.

Any idea why EK seems so hell bent on forcing you to use the automation? Is it that they don't trust their pilots, or do they just want to get their money's worth since they paid for all the fancy equipment?

Thanks for all your input.