..... To get really messed up takes a computer. Having cables is pretty reliable system wise.
Yep, reliable, though also limited. To have some "combined-control surfaces", it needs a kind of "mechanical" computer, using levers, non-linear mechanics, etc. Can be done, though difficult and difficult to get this reliable.
It is harder to reverse a mechanical system.....
There are many reports about reversed mechanical cabling (though maybe more in small aircraft GA).