Uberpilot,
Yes, I think you are partially right.
However in today's modern aircraft (Civilian as well as Military) the job of the 'driver' is as a mission systems manager, and this is increasingly seen as something that the Observer does best.
Indeed I know the airlines are increasingly interested in recruiting Observers as airline pilots. So as well as having a better grip (than pilots) on the wider Warfare aspects of the job in the RN, they're also well suited to compete with pilots for the airlines.