[snowsislander]

Ironically, if the intelligence agencies reverted to more human intelligence, they might be able to ride the technology waves a bit better.

[gondramB]

Another irony is that the administrations attempts to expand intelligence gathering have led to mistrust making it unlikely to get legal authorization for increased intelligence gathering.

[notbackingdown]

Sadly, there's been a dearth in those very valuable human operatives working abroad. One thing technology will never replace is the priceless and intimate relationship that exists in a face-to-face intelligence sharing operation.
Terrorists aren't stupid. The more we rely on technology, the more terrorists will either try to skirt the detection, or just use more human-based information sharing methods. You're absolutely right.

[RightWhale]

if the intelligence agencies reverted to more human intelligence

Without a doubt. Data is not knowledge.