I don't know about more advanced machinery making any difference and I don't think that the duties performed by a pilot are necessarily close to those required of an officer, but in Australia there is a sort of comprimise.
It's called SSO (Specialist Service Officer) Pilot. Basicly spec aircrew. Rank limit is Captain and you are only ever employed as a pilot. This came about because most potential pilots don't want to stuff around for 18 months at RMC when all they want to do is fly. The training involves 8 weeks mil skills/KFS training at RMC Duntroon then off to pilot training.
After wings you are promoted to Lt and serve a six year retur of service.
Better still, you don't have to do all of the other officer command bollocks unless you request a transfer to G(General)SO and undertake further training.
This was introduced to address a pilot shortage in AAvn. It still hasn't worked
.