Just a point on fly by wire systems. Most systems in use do allow the pilot to disconnect the computers and enter a manual mode. There are different names for this mode such as direct electrical link or manual law. In this mode the aircraft is essentially a conventional aircraft.
Airbus is the exception to allow pilot reversion to a direct electrical link mode. Re versions and mode downgrades are computer controlled and not pilot selectable. The 787 allows manual selection by the pilot via one switch. There are pluses and minuses to both concepts.