I assure you sir, I know exactly how "auto throttle" works. I have been using my tractor with it (it came standard) for over 6 years now. This is such a non-event.
The LINKED PEDALS (instead of calling it "auto-throttle", if you prefer) was a feature to enhance front end loader work ease. No idea where you came up with the idea that it was only to be used for "transport across properties". I can only think Kubota finally included this due to being questioned so many times on why they don't offer it from so many new prospective customers. Most of their competition has already incorporated it in at least part of their lineup.
I think you're possibly operating under an incorrect mindset. The auto throttle does not "lock the transmission" into anything. The motion pedal (only forward on the Kubota, no idea why) has an additional mechanical linkage that actuates the throttle on the engine. It is a mechanical apparatus. It cannot be "switched" on and off. There is no computer involved in this function. It is built in when they assemble the tractor.
If you want to run anything off of the pto, you simply run up the hand throttle to your desired pto rpms and go. I do this frequently myself. There is zero drama. The motion pedals provide ground motion as before. You can pto operate yourself all around, over hills and over dales.
The pedals are "jerky" because you are ham-footing the pedals. If you raise the rpms with the hand throttle and then "ham-foot" the pedals, it will be jerky too. Even more so, because with raised rpms, your hydro pump will have more flow. You have to "learn" your foot pedal. No idea what tractor you're comparing it to, but you can't just jump in the cab and start stomping pedals in any hydro tractor I've been on. At least not if they have mechanical pedal linkages. Part of being a "pro-operator", instead of just a "seat dummy", is knowing your equipment, and how to operate it smoothly. That takes adapting to each piece of equipment differently.
