Is 'pen and paper' GA flying actually better and safer than using GPS?

[englishal]

I don't want my basic IR or even VFR skills to deteriorate because I use a GPS.

What about your future IR skills then? It'll come in Europe soon, the sooner the better [in my opinion]. I fly IFR in the states, using IFR approved GPS, and its great. Your flight plan can be simplified to XYZ dct...and thats it

Cheers
EA