c53204
Passengers may think pilots are less well trained, but are they? I don't think so. In my 35yrs flying helicopters I have seen aircraft become more complex and sophisticated, however, with the increasing use of simulators pilots have been able to keep pace with the advances in technology. Ground school courses are much better in content and structure than when started my career.
Can't agree with you on the standard of maintenance, in my experience it's always been good and hopefully will continue the trend of continual improvement. We can improve on the standards we see today and we must strive to do so.
As for the companies and Government(?) getting their chequebooks out...well, maybe these latest incidents will force them to do so, but I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.