Denti - certainly the changes I mention are not necessary for safe flight. The original argument was "new-stuff = safer flight" and I don't agree with that premise - what we have is doing the job. Appreciate the feedback on the "side-view" tho'...I hadn't spoken to anyone who'd used the display.
Under the heading of "knowing one's airplane" and the fact that you say both are sufficient to fly safely, with which I agree, (I flew the A320/A330/A340 and they didn't have the "side-display" but it was never an issue), the argument for "new instrumentation" is to me, moot.
Out of interest, are you flying the classic or NG?