As nice as it would be to push a button and watch my shades go up or down or my awning to go in and out my brain converts stuff like that to cost per cycle. I apply the same thinking to slides, air bags, brake chambers, Norgren valves, etc.

Even if I were to do 100% of all repairs on things like awnings and slide rooms I feel intuitively that I don't want the cost associated with pressing that button. Beyond that I have a brain that is programmed to expect longer service from something higher priced so in addition to having something else to repair I would be pissed that something I paid a lot more money for over a simpler design created more problems than it solved. The trade off of comfort or convenience for the cost would not be worth it.

There are some things in which technology does create problems, but the payback is worth it. Our engines are an example. All the technology creates problems with sensor failures for example, but in that case the payback in fuel economy and a clean running engine is worth the small problems especially since to basic engine is so highly reliable. The problem is the manufacturers of comfort or convenience items such as awnings and shades are not designing "bullet proof" products when they should be. What good is a power awning if as Sid points out is lucky if it lasts 4 years? Whatever happened to lifetime warranties and reliability?