"I am not sure this is that much of a concern. Laziness is a virtue :-) If I can get the image I want in an easier way, that's a good thing..."

This is not what we meant by "lazy". Not lazy as in trying to make picture taking easier, but lazy as you mention later in your post, being SLOPPY in not taking the time to learn the craft of creating a successful photo. There is absolutely nothing wrong with easier.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just trying to clarify my quote...

"I sense a bit of fear along the lines of 'I am a skilled craftsman who spent years learning my tools and working to overcome their limitations, and now these noobs with their electronic gizmos can do almost the same thing without having to learn anything!'. That fear is overblown, in my opinion..."

I know of no older pros that have this fear. We've all embraced digital and the wonderful advantages it brings. I think if there's any fear, it might be that digital imaging (and when I refer to this I mean "post-processing" editing) has led to a flood of mediocre "manipulated" shots. In a sense I think that's true, and yet I can't say that it bothers me much at all. I just worry about my own work... ;)

"I agree with Armstrong that it's the end result that matters. How you got there is really irrelevant..."

Ah, this is a discussion for another day. I for one, have never believed this. For many of us, the journey (substitute process if you'd like) is as important as the final product. You should check out some threads in the Photography as Art forum...