Actually, ag aircraft would probably be the first to be automated. Differential GPS nav and forward-looking anti-collision radar are relatively easy, and in the event of a catastrophe, in all probability the only victims would be a pilotless aircraft and part of a field. Given that the aircraft could be a lot smaller without the pilot (no requirement for a cockpit or a seat!), it would be the ideal candidate. In fact, a development of currently available pilotless aircraft could fulfill this role.
It is the human factor (ie passengers) which make the difference to the argument.
Paradoxically, Mr Fletcher himself was an advocate of such things. Of course, he never intended his creation to be an ag aircraft, it was originally designed for passengers.
Mind you, who would want a Fletcher when you could have a Cresco...
