People can split hairs all they want, but the bedrock facts are as 35Yr described them.
1. All modern air travel is incredibly safe.
2. Air safety has continued to improve with each new generation of equipment.
3. Safety is provided by a combination of improved technology (such as FBW, etc.) and improved training and procedures.
4. While the pilot whose skills are already perfect may not have his flight's safety improved by more advanced technology or procedures, no pilot's skills are perfect.
5. Thus, it is the combination of technology, training and procedures that matters, and empirical experience has shown that this ever-evolving combination has improved overall safety.