Gotta disagree with you Brianh re the inference that flying without a valid medical is a minor matter and can be justified by the fact that motorists do not require medicals.
To take your argument to the next level we could also say that to continue operating without having completed an Instrument renewal, an Instructor renewal, or even a BFR is justified as the motorist has no requirement for any ongoing testing.
Now, using your analogy of old mate the motorist, well he probably doesn't have the same rights as the muderer either. There are many ways the Drivers Licence can be removed, revoked etc, without the matter be decided in a Court of Law.
The fact is that there are certain commitments, (which are not really that onerous), which are required to be made in order to exercise the privileges of the Pilot's Licence. To belittle those rules and regulations does nothing to garner support for your cause from me.