Hy Clarence.
Many years ago I flew some russian types airplanes.They had a habit of teaching you everything,a pilot could have actually dismantle the plane piece by piece.You had to know any bolt,screw,cable..It was a nightmare.A lot of info,that one would forget in less than a year.
You have to kow many things as a pilot.Knowing every bit of your plane won't help you so much,and won't get in you're head.Imagine a 747,or a 380...
You have to know systems,how they work,etc...But to know in detail,well,it's another thing
I know what the thrust lever do,when moved...how they do it ,it doesn't matter so much.
If I move them,and nothing happens,then go to the QRH,and resolve the relevant case. I won't get my screwdriver,and fix the thing..
I understand your point,but it's the same with cars,for ex.You can safely drive your car,know what the ABS do,or the ESP,use them perfect.But do you know how are those systems made,or how it transmit the info's to the car computer,etc..Get my point?
And ,btw, the signal from the thrust levers is electrically transmited to the MEC,even on the 737 efis.
Brgds
Alex