Bravo Mr. Fletcher
A lot of what you say is spot on. With just a bit of elaborations with regard to the "Systems Manager" approach to moving an aircraft from point A to point B, one can see that being a pilot in a modern aircraft is not so much about flying as managing.
The problem is when the excerement impinges upon the rotating members of the air handling unit, a pilot is needed to put the aircraft on the ground with the least possible damage and loss of life. It is more than actuarial tables and probabilities.
Imagine an Airbus pilot of today "managing" UA232. I shudder at the thought.
I learned in a Cessna 140 and worked to a Beech 18 and various RW types. I have flown in glass cockpits and although they are reliable, I still like my "steam gauges." I understand the principles and reasons an aircraft flies (or beats the air into submission), although I don't think I am a Systems Manager.....
I guess that what it has come to...but I will buy another old one and fly for fun anyway.