Ahh, welcome to the first of many differences between the 145 program and the 170 program. The only time we don't use a FD is stalls/steep turns. Its on for the rest of the flight. In fact, since the AP is integrated with the flight control modules, at least one channel has to be working to dispatch.

I keep the FD up even when its giving me "odd" data simply b/c it requires too many buttons to get it set back up if I suddenly want it. I usually fly via other references though and magically the FD goes where it should. I too chased it fresh out of the sim. Its amazing how much better the airplane seems to handle of you don't chase it and just fly the airplane.