Lame,
It might be possible to create reliable pilotless passenger aircraft. Personally, I have my doubts. You've only got to look at other areas of technology where the reality doesn't live up to the hype!
As far as the legality / responsibility for aircraft issues goes, I don't claim to be a lawyer however I can tell you that the company ops manual specifically charges me with ensuring that the aircraft is serviceable. Whether that is a realistically achievable objective is another matter, as others have mentioned above.
But to echo the sentiments raised by others, everyones got a part to play and we are only as strong as our weakest link.
As far as the pay differentials go the real problem here is a lack of a decent career path for all kinds of people in the industry, and the unfailing nature of the 'bean counters' to only ever think of 'price' rather than 'value'.
Heres to all of us. I'm off for a pint!
Heres a question for everyone:
How many pilots does it take to change a light bulb?
CPB