First of all, if you dont like "fly by wire" controls, then I guess you dont fly. Becuase mechanical aircraft controls went the way of the do do a long, long time ago. And they are much more reliable than youre letting on.
#2, its NOT about "cost cutting"......DRIVE by tire greatly simplifies the pollution control mechanisms of a gas motor. It allows for a hugely simplified automobile. Unless you loved all those vacuum hoses and those great "efficient" engines of the late 70s, early 80s.