I just read through this old thread and I don't see what the problem with WheelTug pushback is.
Pilots are also not in control of aircraft movement when there is a tug for pushback. Pilot just signals to ground crew when to pushback and in what direction. Touching brakes when moving backwards is a big no-no, tug or no tug. As long as main wheel brakes are not used then no problem. Nose wheel braking cannot tip over the aircraft. Even if tug motor locks up the plane can not tilt over because nose wheel gets lighter and simply skids to a gentle stop. More so I believe procedures should not be changed from now. Target should be to
just remove the tug when conditions allow. Ground crew should normally control the wheel tug via manual controls connected to a short cable and see both wing walkers for best reaction time. Pilot should only have an override control for both soft and hard stop. This tug motor is also great for airports with limited number of gates and airlines will need less ground crew too. Flights can leave the gate at scheduled time because taxi time is not a problem. It is only a problem for airlines that pay the pilots for actual taxi time...
Edited for clarity. Original was a bit messy. See below.
