Buddy of mine told me a funny quip about this nonsense. He's Captain and pilot flying with the AP on. They're well away from the terminal area, but not at cruise.

ATC says, "turn right to XXX".
PNF F/O responds to ATC.
Captain stabs the HDG knob and spins it.
Plane turns.
Long pause.
F/O shouts and points..."you're in Heading".