At which distance are you trying to capture the VOR radials?
Just asking because I've just read about some 35nm+ on another aircraft when using the automated capture. So one could say that below this distance, the manual capture is the better way to use.
Don't chase the needle though!  :D

For me, the 35+ seems a bit too high, but the closer you are, the more upset the old AP gets in my eyes. I'm using ASE too.