Many of us who have written logic programs for controllers have a similar view sometimes. They are in fact a extension of thought, forecasting, anticipating, measuring, timing and reacting to inputs of the sensors.
Technically, you can fly a rock with the electronics.
Technically, you can fly a rock with the electronics.
It's called a Shuttle. ;^)
And the F-4 is a perfect example of the other end of that statement "with enough forward Thrust even a Brick can fly"
The F-4 may have been the only airframe ever with a Negative Glide Ratio.