Originally Posted by Short Bus Drive

What pre-programmed limits? If you are talking about roll, pitch, Angle of Attack, yes. But it's not an overide. It just won't let you exceed certain parameters, so you don't exceed structural limits, or stall. (To a point in NORMAL LAW)
Except in a case of extreme upset, then the plane will "let" you "fly" it to recover.(Normal Law is no longer applicable).
Gets kinda techincall, and confusing.

As far as "Auto Thrust", on the 320 series, you CAN disconnect them. Just make sure you pull the Thrust levers back to match your TLA indicators before you do!!!