Who has ultimate authority: pilot or airplane systems
Airplane system reliability has increased to the point where more incidents and accidents are the result of crews responding incorrectly to startling situations than from system failures. When fly-by-wire airplane control system augmentation was first introduced there was great concern about pilots finding themselves at the mercy of a failed system that would not allow them access to the airplane's full control authority. More recently, there have been incidents where control systems allowing pilots over-ride capability have resulted in perfectly good airplanes being put into dangerous situations by pilots making incorrect inputs. I think it would be interesting and valuable for you to investigate current thinking with regard to pilot training and pilot authority as they relate to reducing the number of incidents caused by incorrect pilot action. Is the mitigation path improved pilot training? How about designing control systems that protect the airplane and the passengers from the pilot? Is there some combination of the two that makes the most sense?