How easy is it to create a cipher which is very hard to break?

[Mark Knowles]

If I create a system or method or rule-set for generating Voynichese-like text and sit down and write it it out with pen and paper, do you consider that to be "manually produced" text or "automatically produced text"?

Yes, it's very fair to ask for a clarification. I would call that"automatically produced text" as you are following a strict algorithm or rule set like a computer. Whether the algorithm is implemented by a computer or a human from my perspective is immaterial.

If I take the same system or method or rule-set and program it into the computer and have the computer print it out, do you consider that to be manually or automatically produced?

I would say that is "automatically produced".

Do you consider Hyde and Rugg's grille method to be automatic or manual?

Do you consider Timm and Schinner's method to be automatic or manual?

I wouldn't like to say without having studied their work in more detail.

I am not sure which distinction you are making when you say manually or automatically produced text.

I would be inclined to use the term "automatic" when it is the result of a clearly designed rule set and can be implemented by an algorithm and potentially implemented by a computer. I use the term "manual" when talking about text produced by a person as a result of a mixture of conscious, semi-conscious and unconscious processes. This way of producing text is very hard to convert to an algorithm. I am a believer in strong AI, so of course in principle I believe this can be converted to an algorithm as can any neural processes, but in practice this would seem very difficult to near impossible. I am not inclined to the view that the author of the Voynich used tools, like a cardan grille, or a formal algorithm or rule set to generate the text in the Voynich, but rather a more ad hoc approach.