Shawn, I totally agree. No real comeback from me there on the idea of ILS like guidance or some sort of PAPI like setup. That would certainly be great.
As far as the system in the 92 regarding racetrack patterns - it was probably not the best example for me to use and detracted somewhat from the debate. It is something really only applicable for holding, but may have use elsewhere. The system can however calculate and update the wind constantly itself, therefore correcting. So in NAV mode it automatically flies track corrected for wind. That is not to say however, that it is always 100% but it is pretty damn good. The track is very easily monitored using the NDB on the rig and the GPS. My personal preference is to use HDG or NAV though, and I have only used the holding patterns for training. One could, without too much difficulty, devise a standard night poor weather approach procedure, which could be flown entirely coupled until a MAPt if required. A modified ARA, with a track straight to a FAP 3-5 miles d/w, allowing you to fly fully coupled with NAV to that point, then letting down to mdh, inbound at 60kts. Coupled with IAS, NAV/HDG, RALT/ALT, and the go-around track briefed, with ALTP set to climb away ht. Time consuming, but a variation of this may work. This in conjunction with some form of better approach guidance for the latter stages would be a good combination. This would have implications on those of us flying 15 night decks in one shuttle though.