Sadly, I think most of us would love to help, but we also have trust issues. There is no doubt in my mind that you are who you say you are which is exactly why we are suspicious. After incidents like Colgan 3407 it's become even more important what we say or don't say. Believe me I want to scream at the top of my lungs so the world can hear how messed up our industry is and our passengers perception of it. You wouldn't believe some of the comments I used to get on a daily basis. With that said, most of the companies we work for very specifically prohibit us from talking to any media of any kind with the consequences of losing our jobs or worse, not getting another. Would you hire a whistle blower? They wouldn't. Again would love to help, but won't.

Most of what you mentioned are myths and hoaxes anyway.

As for the autopilot, the best analogy I can think of for a non-pilot is this: When you engage the cruise control on your car does it drive your car? Yes and no. It controls your speed and does what YOU tell it to do. No more, no less. Exactly like an autopilot. Garbage in, garbage out.

Edit: ^^And what ToeJam said ;-)^^
8 is especially true. Hey if you commuted from San Francisco to New York a couple times a week than you would understand too. Just remember, every HELL you go though whenever you travel, we go through on a daily basis to an extreme. How our flight attendants find the courage to smile every day, I don't know, but I admire them for it. In the mean time I'll admire the view!