Whilst I am probably talking myself out of a job, I can't help but wonder how many aircraft accidents have been attributed to human error, versus computer or software error? I can only think of one in the latter category... But quite prepared to be put right...
I think that we pilots will have to accept that one day, we will be surplus to requirements. The economic and technical arguments are stacked against us, both in military and commercial flying and I am absolutely certain that if my boss could get rid of pilots, he'd do it in an instant. And I can't say I'd entirely blame him - we're expensive and easily upset. I'm not entirely sure how the travelling public will feel about this but I'm sure they'll get used to it.