Mac, sorry but I simply don't think that is accurate.
The design of the car has been held back for decades by the oil producing companies, without a manky old ic engine, the designs of modern cars would look totally different. What you suggest is an optimum solution for current technology, I'm banging on about getting new technology out of the research centres and into some proper use.
It's a bit arrogant to believe that we have already reached the pinnacle of design excellence. Look back 10 years and I'll bet you'll have somebody else making the same argument, and things have changed since then haven't they.
I'm not talking about an evolution in design, that's just lazy design and engineering. I'm waiting for a complete revolution in ideas, aviation was always at the forefront of technical revolution, but it has become so tightly screwed by the bottom line that there is seemingly no room for 'blue sky' thinking. (n.b why do you think that term is as it is?)
Pilots are often fairly conservative types, but I am hoping for a bit 'pioneer spirit' amongst people on this board, or have the bean counters already won?
What types of aircraft would we like to see flying in the future? Assuming technical issues will be overcome. What sort of time frame do you think is even in the remotest part feasible? What would manufacturers have to do to make airlines sit up and take note?