EB,
quote
There have been studies done (NASA?) with a view to someday include a "thrust only" reversion into future flight control software. unquote
NASA (Dryden) developed the PCA (Propulsion Controlled Aircraft) concept using a MD-11 as testbed. There was a very nice article on this on an old Flight Internatinal magazine. The plane being controlled via the MCP, no need to direct handle the levers.
Some additional information:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/h.../PCA/md11.html
Cheers
BF