So we end up being well paid (for the moment) with less responsibilities than a couple of decades ago
I think I know what you're getting at, but I'm not sure that statement is at all true, I suspect the commander's responsibilities under the ANO haven't changed that much over the years/decades. One thing's for certain - as sure as night follows day that if you bend metal ( or worse) the law will come looking for answer from the commander, not the fancy automation or the CEO/CFO.