Yes, computer reliance enables airlines to put less experienced (and lower-paid of course) pilots in the front seats. Automation dependence breeds lax pilots. Not saying they all are - many do take the initiative to ensure they stay current hand-flying etc etc. But many don’t.
As demonstrated in your story here, experience can go a long way, a less experienced low-time pilot might not have noticed the issue at all.
There is no substitute for stick-time.