But isn't that the thing Bob, the skill and demands of operating a B737-200 regularly to its limitations are very different to those used to operating modern aircraft with automation.
FANS, I know! I flew A320, B737-300/600/700/800 also - I made the remark for comparison - maybe we have gone backwards?
BUT I would argue that the basic skills required for safe operation have actually changed little, as this incident proves.