Splotfire797,
Yep, you're right, I'm unfortunately having a pessimistic day.
Just jumped out of one cockpit 10 years old into another cockpit of today. Differences are pretty staggering. Introduction of glass cockpit, TCAS, GPS, HUD, Improved FMGC, EGWPS, computer control, sidestick etc....
Exprapolate those differences 30 years from now, incorporate latest military technology. You'll only need one man to do the job. Put in an emergency overide from the ground (probably on the cards after 9/11 in the US) and anyone will be able to sit in the Captains seat.
No you're right its totally pie in the sky - lets put my pilot hat on and now be optimistic, yes, it will never happen because you always need two pilots at the front of an aircraft.
But think of it - if it goes that way there will be one advantage in 30 years time - you won't need the 500 hours multi-crew to get a JAR ATPL!!!!