Ok, I'm getting better at it.  I can get smooth results by waiting to engage the AP elevator paddle until I get the pitch and airspeed where I want them.   And to descend, click off the ALT hold and the AP elevator axis, then trim pitch and power to get a nice descent rate, get it stabilized, then re-engage the AP elevator paddle.  And to be on the safe side, I toggle the ALT hold switch a couple of times on the ground and flip the AP paddles to make sure the bugger is awake...

This thing really forces you to be a better pilot.  

I haven't yet had any real problems with ILS/GS.  I don't bother with the FD.  I do everything from the 2D autopilot panel.  It is a little sluggish, so get it slowed down and have flaps set and be stabilized by the time you are to intercept the localizer.  Gear down as you cross the GS, add flaps to 30, get it looking like you want it, then hand fly the last 1000 feet or so.