Personally I don't see any reason to hand fly a heavy jet at the upper altitudes of its flight envelope. You are really not learning anything of value, because if you have to hand fly the jet, you'd be doing it at a much lower altitude, and lower airspeed as well. Apparently McDonnell Douglas feels the same way. Below is copied from our MEL and it addresses having both autopilots inop:

MD-11 Minimum Equipment List
ATA - 22 AUTOFLIGHT
Remarks or Exceptions Note(s)
Refer to MEL item 22-10-01-A for alternate relief.
This system may be required for certain procedures. Refer to minimum aircraft equipment requirements for
planned procedures (CFM and/or route manual).
Cruise performance will be affected.
OPERATIONS (O)
1. DO NOT conduct RVSM operations.
2. DO NOT conduct operations above 78° N Latitude.
3. DO NOT operate aircraft above 25,000 ft. MSL.
4. Fuel burn is increased by 2.7%.
5. Select/confirm both AFS OVRD Switches - OFF.
NOTE 1: Disables A/P, ATS, and automatic high/low speed protection.
NOTE 2: With both AFS OVRD OFF switches in the OFF (down) position, Tail Fuel Management will not be performed.
NOTE 3: With both AFS OVRD OFF switches in the OFF (down) position, low speed thrust protection is unavailable.
NOTE 4: With AFS OVRD OFF switch in the OFF (down) position, an amber and gray bar comes into view.


JJ