Look at the SIC/autopilot requirement slightly differently: Does it read that an autopilot is required, but may be waived unless you have a SIC, or a SIC is required but may be waived if you have an autopilot?
I think that you will find there is a Requirement for a SIC (under IFR). Which the operator may choose not to waive, despite the presence of an autopilot. Which would allow you to log all the time as SIC. I would only log dual given if the PIC were actually conducting some formal training, like IOE.