Fuel Off : splendid post. Solution is easy but expensive and the bean counters just cannot get past the accounts book. Solution is selection, proper cadet training of basics, build up of the automatics to show that they ease your life and constant reminders that when they go wrong,think back to basics and fly the beast. With autopilot off, autothrust off, the sidesticks are still connected to FCC's and the dummy thrust levers are still not throttles but a few idents to help you get from idle to T/O ,CLB, TOGA etc. Still, click click. So, you are not really flying the beast even then . But, that is the commercial world. Being fooled by the automatics into thinking that you are flying the aircraft can still get you out of horrible auto/messes . Basic pilot skills to fall back on always sorts out the most complex auto situations.
Not too far from MOL's dream of having pilotless aircraft. The welcome on board robot speech reminds pax that it is a fully automatic flight and there are no pilots.It advises," Sit back, relax. Nothing can go wrong (hic) Nothing can go wrong (hic) Nothing can go wrong ...........................".