Neither approach - human pilot nor computer pilot - will ever be 100% reliable. However, humans can think and react to situations that the computer programmers never thought of or allowed for.
I think the question we need to ask is why do you want computers to fly our aircraft? Well humans cause crashes you might reply. Well sometimes, (but so do badly programmed computers or computers that have lost their power supply when the fuse/CB trips). The real problem is that us pilots:-
Are working longer and longer duties.
Are receiving less and less basic handling instruction and practice.
Are working earlier or later in the day/night.
Are working in high stress phases of flight during the WOCL.*
Are flying in busier and busier airspace with fewer and fewer ATCOs.
Are more stressed because of the downward pressure on salaries and the effects that has on our family life.
Are seeing worse terms and conditions year on year.
Why is all this happening? To save money. Oh right - so are we all getting better and better salaries, year on year then? No, quite the reverse. Meanwhile somebody somewhere is making big profits out of us, but it is not us, and pilots and passengers alike are suffering because of it.
I love technology, but I am first and foremost a pilot. I like having computers to help me fly and manage the flight (FMGC, automatic cabin pressurisation, fuel trimming, efficiency predictions, Autolands etc) but I don't think it would be safe or sensible to replace pilots with computers.
Give us better training, more handling practice, and remove the unecessary daily stressors in modern flying, even if that means adding £10 to every ticket.
* Window of circadian low: 0200-0559 hours local time.