Re CRM
Getting back to the topic on hand....
I've only recently done a CRM course (not even needing it yet, but rather getting it out of the way) and I seem to think that it has its good points, and bad points.
Recently I was speaking with an ex Air Canada supervisor who said that back prior to CRM the only time you spoke in the cockpit was in cruise and/or during an emergency situation. No call outs for speed, altitude or checklists "...that sort of BS."
From that I gather you can say that CRM is bad in the fact that yes it adds workload to an already demanding job (ie a VOR approach AT minimums at night worst case I know) but its good in the fact that it allows crews some common ground. Not much, but I personally would rather fly knowing 9/10ths to a degree of what will happen next, than the seat of the pants flying that I have seen around.
As for the checklists. Well. I have my own thoughts, but Ill keep those for a later date!