Airbus's mode of taking the pilot out of the control loop
What makes you say that? Since when is the pilot out of the control loop on the 'Bus?
I've flown both 737 classic and NG, and the 'Bus is better on all fronts. When does automation go too far? It's difficult to say, but I'd say it goes too far when the airline forbids it's staff to fly manually. When SOPs dictate using the automatics 100%, then it doesn't matter wether it's a Boeing, MD or Airbus; automation has gone too far.