Hugh, I have no problem with anyone who argues that such-and-such a law is out of date and should be changed/repealed.
Where I tend to have a problem is with people who say "I disagree with such-and-such a law and therefore I intend to ignore it".
If law has been outdated by the continuous roll of technology, then it is up to us as pilots to present the facts to whichever authorities (Govt., CAA, whomever) and demand that the law be changed. Until then, it remains the law.
When I flew the airlines, there were always a few pilots who said "I disagree with the company's SOPs so I intend to do such-and-such". Other pilots flying with them then didn't know whether they were coming or going half the time. My argument to such pilots is "If your argument is so strong, then present it to the Training Committee or the Fleet Managers, and suggest SOPs be changed, because if you have had such a good idea, then perhaps everyone ought to be doing as you do". But you know what? They never did.