I agree with you Roadtrip, automation is wonderful and it can be your best friend. I also agree with you that you have to be balanced in the use of your skills in order to stay sharp in all of them.
The problem with any technology advance is that new skills are created and are sometimes "marketed" to replace the older skills. But in aviation the older skills are still extremely valuable, as they are the very skills called upon when the new technology fails.
Think about why new pilots are still taught the fundamentals of stick and rudder flying as the foundational skills for piloting. Also consider why "maintaining proper attitude control" while making certian required maneuvers when you can't see anything out of the window, is still the foundational skill for all instrument flying.
Each new technology has the potential to isolate you from older methods you may have to fall back on. GPS can isolate you from the INS, the INS can isolate you from RNAV, VOR and NDB flying. FBW and it's protections can isolate you from the risks of low energy flying near the ground. The autopilot can isolate you from the flight director, and the flight director can isolate you from flying older types of approaches.
As pilots we owe it to ourselves to stay current in all the skills that we might need.
------------------
Safe flying to you...
[This message has been edited by Flight Safety (edited 14 January 2001).]