NewModel etc...
An interesting concept, and one worth studying in detail... but still only a concept.
Not sure about the statement "full time automation is the only way to go". Full time automation isn't always flexible enough. Most of time, yes, but not always. That's why there are still pilots on todays very automated flight decks.
Not sure about the weather avoidance FAQ either. Real time info on Cb activity is not always available, nor are individual pilot reactions to Cb activity (see the uk over the last few days).
Metering for TMA / airfield arrival streams. Hmmm.. there is such a wide variety of variables e.g. a/c performances, wind, wake vortex, rwy closures, preferential rwys (continue here for as long as you like) that I have difficulty seeing an automated system cope safely without human intervention . Which may be what you are getting at, but saying that full automation is the only way to go suggests otherwise.
And for those that allow it, what about VFR arrivals? How do they fit?
Don't get me wrong, there are some good ideas here and I am not Luddite enough to dismiss them out of hand.
Paperless operation in the UK? Yes, it will happen. Usual caviats though. Involve the end user at the BEGINING of the project, and get all the advice you can from those that are already without paper about the problems and advantages. Act on the advice / input.
Rgds BEX