I haven't even tried the VC one, it's too hard to access.  I always use the one in the 2D popup.

I'm familiar with using the pitch controller to make adjustments because before I took the plunge and bought the CS 727 I used a freeware 727 with the Richard Probst panel fitted into it.  It has a nice version of a Sperry block 50 AP.   I even tried installing it in place of the CS one but that didn't work - apparantly the VC one which I couldn't remove fought with the Probst one.

The pitch knob moves like it should, but the pitch doesn't react.  I've tried punching it 50 times in succession and after leveling off and engaging the AP (but not in alt hold mode.)  The nose won't move an inch off level.  Nor does the turn work.

I work around it by flipping off the elevator hold and manually climbing or diving to change altitude.

I think of it as a MEL item that somehow maintenance just can't seem to get around to fixing...

Dutch

Good news: the pressure system workaround seems to be doing well.  One more successful flight and I'll post a link here for anyone interested to test it further.