Auto pilot usage is not mandatory for this procedure. And I agree, it’s not hard to fly by hand. In fact, I feel that the auto pilot is too sluggish. However that said, what’s important is making the turn to a 040 heading at 2.5 DME to stay out of JFK’s airspace. That’s also why the airspeed is restricted to 210 or below until on that heading. The importance of a good WARTS briefing, in particular the part about anticipated threats for the flight depends on good self evaluation and self disclosure. If I’m tired, or flying with a new ish FO, or if he or she is tired, I’ll probably elect to use the auto pilot to lessen the work load. I’m not sure where the breakdown is occurring. Maybe some of it’s known magnetic annomaly. Ether way, we have procedures for departing on runway 13 in LaGuardia. Don’t make up your own procedures. I feel, do everything like a LCP or FAA is in the Jumpseat every flight, and slow down a little