So in a way, a better metaphor is an elevator, not an airplane. Like you say, there's very little the occupants can do to properly get the craft where it's supp

So in a way, a better metaphor is an elevator, not an airplane. Like you say, there's very little the occupants can do to properly get the craft where it's supposed to go, aside from a few basic aspects. It could be argued the airplane metaphor, and the space shuttle, did more to hold back progress ... with current technology anyway ('course you don't necessarily know 'til you try). Perhaps in the future we'll have the ability to go to/from space with the freedom, abilities, and choices pilots have in airplanes. But until changing orbit / inclination / altitude / destination becomes no big deal (i.e. right now where the majority of your choices are already made for you), the elevator metaphor is a better fit.