Avionicsbloke,
It sounds like we have a fundamental difference between military air vehicle or platform and civil aircraft testing (although where would you fit in FBW in your "aero first & only" program unless you can do a LOT of one-off trial flights?).
On most civil aircraft, the full flight envelope is just not available unless, for example, functions like yaw damper & rudder limiter are set correctly - the only economic method being to fly with an additional specialist crew member to modify the gains in flight. I beleive we all try to limit risk exposure but sometimes economics force different approaches. The Airbus OEI MEH accident demonstrated the fatal consequences of beleiving that there is no risky testing once a certificate is awarded.
It is up to everyone in his or her own test environment to reduce risk as much as possible.
Have a Happy - and Safe - New Year.