Originally Posted by
tdracer
Given that the Boeing TOGA buttons have been in the same place for over 50 years
That statement is not correct. On the 757/767 TO and GA modes are engaged by seperate switches. The GA switch is to the side/rear of the thrust levers (where your thumb naturally rests), to engage GA mode you push forward with your thumb. On the 744 (and I presume the 777) TO and GA mode engagement is combined in the TOGA levers located forward of the thrust levers. To engage GA you push down with your forefingers.
Interestingly, the 757/767 GA switches are still there on the 744, but are instead used to disconnect the A/T. On conversion from the 767 to the 744, the instructors repeatedly warned us about this difference. They also said it will not be if, but when, we will incorrectly push the A/T disconnect switch when we mean to GA. (High workload, cognitive overload, revert to 'muscle memory' etc.) I did it once in an early sim session.