But then, unless you're all alone, going very slow, without much wind, etc., one shouldn't be setting the autopilot in that channel either ;^)))))

Systems do "lock-up" occasionally. There are problems that units have where they go hard to port at the worst times if they aren't set right or are having an electriconic "stroke". The crazy feature with the Jeaneau/Beneteau system is that the saildrive get's locked in its position (which isn't forward or aft); and the bow thruster may be doing whatever. Then, often the breaker ends-up tripping (unless the unit is locked otherwise). It is FUBAR!

I have suggested to my neighbor that he simply have Jeaneau come out and REMOVE the system, provide all the trim as though he never ordered it in the first place, give him a credit for it, and compensate him for expenses that they have incurred trying to "Make it work". Each of the five or six times they have done work on the system, they claim it's fixed. He's finally given-up on it. (I'm not sure Jeaneau even offers it anymore.)

The system was an Italian design -- before you say anything, I must disclose that I was born in Rome, Italy ;^))) )