This is an interesting discussion and one that has certainly been debated outside of this forum in the real world for some time. For perspective, I received my PPl in 2004 and learned exclusively on the conventional “six pack”, learning to fly via seat of the pants, charts, and reckoning. The G1000 didn’t exist at the time. I graduated to the Garmin GNS series as my introduction to GPS navigation. Since 2007, I’ve been flying the G1000 in the 172 and have never looked back.
I do appreciate the familiar scan of the old six-pack arrangement. I agree that being able to tell your altitude in your peripheral vision by the familiar position of the hands is not easily translated to glass. There is a very direct “connection” felt with analog gauges.
Having said that, the value and depth of information presented in modern digital avionics is greatly appreciated, even more so the more complex the aircraft you fly. As ANY system, analog or digital, one must study it and understand it to use it to it’s fullest. They are mere tools to be mastered, as everything available to a pilot is in aviation.
The trend is certainly not in favor of the six-pack “steam gauge” lover. I don’t think I can name one commercial airliner for sale today that does not have monitor sized displays in front of the pilots. Many business jets have gone the same way and even helicopters - Where the use of hands can be perceived to be an issue to manipulate avionics controls vs. remaining airborne.
Anyone remember how Southwest Airlines transitioned? Long an analog flyer of classic 737s, Southwest actually had a “six-pack” mode for their newer NG models that were glass equipped. This was done initially to aid pilot transition for those flying older classic aircraft to hop on an NG and feel “at home”. That didn’t last as they converted to the familiar PFD/ND arrangement.
Analog is fun, but the future of aviation is being built on digital avionics.