DW, we're essentially on the same page. I consider "managerialism" a reaction and a response to a move towards a neoliberal political economy but now we're way off topic and I'll stop it at that.
I wouldn't turn the "automation" clock back one second - I thought the L1011, particularly the -500, was a brilliant design at the time and I think the same of all Airbus A320-A333-A343-A345 series aircraft. To my regret I missed the B777 by a few months due retirement but I figure it's every bit as good, having flown earlier Boeings.
But ya gotta know how to use the tools. Period.
Back to lurking and waiting for the Interim Report.