The underlying assertion that there is a new generation of pilots who do not want to spend a few years flying small commuter a/c without autopilots, having to think for themselves and make commercial and practical decisions for which they are accountable is correct. Too many wish to go directly from training to heavy metal because everything else is beneath them. It's just not cool enough to be seen in anything other than an A330 or B737 NG. In my experience as somebody who has a great deal of raw data time I can see the difference in the new kids when they start. It's all about the rules and regulations but they they don't know their arse from their elbow when it comes to maintaining the centreline after take-off or flying a decent crosswind approach.
One of the most important things many have forgotten how to do and fail to appreciate the importance of is being able to make a decision and justify it afterwards. Too many are too scared about upsetting the management to fly the a/c. When it goes wrong the management blames the pilots anyway and all the things that were said off the record disappear in the dustbin.
The only thing pax and the CAA care about is that the airplane is flown safely. Company politics don't interest anyone. More pilots could do well to remember that. SOPs are great but walking away from it when things go wrong is better.