Surely we are only talking about pilot transit checks, which may involve removing/installing the U/C pins - way back when we used to do this in the old F-27 at all out stations - I don't think there is any suggestion of pilots taking to the beast with sleeves rolled up and spanners at the ready, just of pilots doing what they have always been required to do, ie, a pre-flight which may for a first flight of the day or transit or prolonged turn around where the acft is towed and the APU shutdown/restarted require one or two additional items, all within the crews competence and authority to do. Some colleagues of mine were flying for a UK Operator (737's, 767's, 757's) and the crews were required to all the above plus supervise/carry out refuelling and oil checks - I don;t think anyone would suggest the CAA UK was a "lax" aviation authority? "Luddites" is the right word for people who see this as a reduction in "safety".