Absolutely! A highly proficient pilot at hand flying the airplane can much better manage the aircraft automation to the optimum as well as handle abnormalities in a more efficient manner.

I'm very thankful for how DL encourages being a pilot. We could have a standards department like at US that frowns upon ever turning off the AT as well as requires the AP to be on for RNAV DPs.

I'll never forget on my first takeoff in the MD-88... I selected the AP on after cleanup. The LCP looked over at me and said "I would highly encourage you to handfly up to FL180... most pilots here do." Similar on the approach... "When you turn off the AP, turn off the AT- be a pilot and fly the airplane." I've had similar experience in other fleets. We really do have the top of the heap when it comes to flight standards.