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As an engineer by training I feel we lost something with all the computerization. Direct observation, applying thinking and interactions in the field have been supplanted with sensors, models and actors splitting the job into a "higher" level planning and all the "lower" level field work. What is often lost is the instinct and intuition that comes from being part of the machinery and the impact may only be felt a generation later.

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Moreover switching to all touchscreen controls. There's just something satisfying about getting to know a physical device intimately enough that you can do it blindfolded. Those sort of interfaces are fewer and futher between, unfortunately.

I wonder how easy those screens are to use where there's smoke in the cockpit and the pilots are wearing masks.

Touchscreen avionics are somewhat difficult to use during turbulence alone, so I doubt loss of control plus smoke makes for a good time.

As a passenger all I really care about are the safety stats. If fly by wire is safer than manual flight them I'm all for it.

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