Yup! I honestly hate the "if you're not following the flight directors, turn them off" thing. The key is to BE AWARE OF YOUR THRUST MODE.
If you're in V/S, sure you can ignore the bars. If you're in OP DES or OP CLB (FLCH for you boeing and EMB guys) and need to wiggle around a build up... sure you can ignore the roll bar.. just maintain the pitch bar.
This is why I'm so passionate when someone makes a statement like "the airbus makes you into a button pusher/average pilot/some other stupid mantra." It is an airplane first and foremost and you have to be intentional and fly it just like any other modern jet! Know and have a mastery of all levels of automation, including completely off (yes, you can turn it all off on fifi). When you become a button pusher or resign to not being a pilot, you've gone off the rails... you're dangerous (chomps teeth and makes Iceman face). :stir: