As a former BUFF driver of 23 years and almost 5000 hours, I'd hardly tell folks that AR is easy. Sure, it gets easier with experience. And in the BUFF, AR was easier the farther aft the CG. Before they changed the fuel sequence, we'd usually hit AR at about 28-30% MAC (mean aerodynamic chord). The change in fuel sequence moved the CG farther forward.

As a BUFF pilot, IMO you are most proficient at AR after graduating from CFIC. Your proficiency will go down somewhat from there due to lack of "yoke" time as an instructor. The old ARPTT was way more difficult than flying the actual aircraft, but it did teach you the very fine control inputs required by AR.

I was a co-pilot during the first gulf war when we did 3 ARs (2 pre combat, 1 post). We spent 7 months flying out of DG (6 months training, 1 month combat) and it wasn't long before I could take a 100K off load in a single contact. Again, as with anything, practice makes perfect.

The BUFF AR autopilot mode was never used in CFIC because we were always flying limits. IMO, that was somewhat negative training because the AR AP mode was quite useful when taking on large offloads. As an instructor, I always made a few contacts with and without the AP mode engaged and encouraged line pilots and trainees to do the same.

The scariest moment I had during AR was when the tanker autopilot kicked off without warning while approaching contact. A tanker AP disconnect with a heavy receiver passing through the tanker downwash will pitch the tanker tail down into the receiver. It is an eye opener to say the least. I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened in this video.