I have been watching this thread with interest and for the entertainment factor and have attempted not to make a post. But I have succumbed to the temptation.
Initially Ed, it seemed your post was sincere no matter how misguided and how little thought you put into who your audience was. But from there you thouroughly displayed your lack of respect for pilots and a profession we all love. You have portrayed the job of a professional pilot as one which a retarded monkey could accomplish. Surely a monkey could flip a single switch if instructed to do so and I should hope with the necessary training it could get the captains coffee order correct. (no no, I said two sugars!!)
Your lack of respect for all pilots is astounding whether it be professionals from a major or regional or the professional!!! 19 year old CFI flying C421. Although, I am reletively young and starting my aviation career, I know you never stop learning in aviation and you can certainly learn lessons from anyone flying a plane no matter who you are or how much experience you think you have. Correct me if I'm wrong but even the CFI earned his certs by the same FAA you did.
As with any pilot, each undoubtedly has a touch of ego and the "I can do it" attitude. But I would like to think most check that at the cabin door. In the end we are ultimately responsible for the lives of each passenger on each flight. Thats a mindboggeling number when you think of that over the course of a long distinguished career. To tell you the truth I cant think of a single person in the world that would appreciate your "self assured attitude and capability" I know I wouldnt want to have surgury from a person who was just really confidant they could cut into me the right way. Cockeyness does not equate to capability!! I want the guy who is responsible enough to make the right decision and be safe. but thats just me.
Being a major airline captain isn't something you just decide to do cause you were bored with your old job. Its something you earn by paying your dues and being a professional. This isnt the lunch line in 4th grade anymore, but if you want I can tell you - no cuts no butts no coconuts. The men and women in those positions posess much more skill than just holding and alt. or flying the localizer. They have the necessary intangibles from years of flying with the airlines - yes even as the FO.
As pilots we are the surgeons of the sky. It might help if you looked at it from that perspective. Flying is as serious as surgury, maybe you should give the profession and its professionals the same respect as a patient.
-exxcalibur