Mem,
I appreciate the words, I really do. I won't say I agree 100% with you, but I truly appreciate the well thought out words of someone who cares.
I like that you answered my questions. I don't know if you're correct or not on manning. I sit in a composite wing that isn't a composite wing (recently corrected by a chief who needs a job) but I'll tell you, we are desperately undermanned on fighter guys. We're actually fat on 17 drivers (no pun intended) but only on Lt's. If you took 10% of our experienced guys we'd pretty much have to shut down ops. Still, only one base.
I tell you this--with absolutely no sarcasm--you should write one of those guest closing page editorials in AF Times. As I said, I don't completely agree with you, but you present the most articulate and intelligent thoughts on UAVs I've seen, I think what you say is worth presenting to the AF community as a whole. Think about it.