Behind the aircraft on a standard SID? I get NY is busy but if you get that far behind something is wrong. Tell ATC standby, fly the aircraft, and yes if you need the A/P push it on. What happens if it does not engage or kicks off? What happens if you lose and engine? My point, it's a discussion not an attack, you should be able to hand fly any aircraft at any time and keep it within the limtis of the a/c and the SID or route. It's called being a pilot. If guys/gals flew 727s and other aircraft, for years, out of the place, you should too.