An old idea, can't find the original post...
Continue to have automatic engine management, but add manual control for things like cowl flaps, intercoolers, radiator bypass doors, etc.
Under automatic control, your engine works fine and adjusts accordingly at whatever conditions like speed or altitude. Under manual control, all would need to be adjusted by the pilot.
The advantage of manual control would be that the pilot would be able to get 100% performance if tuned properly. Under automatic control the engine could only get a maximum of 95% performance.
This would allow everyone to fly under automatic without worrying about engine controls, but would allow some pilots to tweak a little to get the edge.
