Hi and welcome to the board!
I can't help you regarding upgrading to robotics as I too am still "girl powered" and all my work is done by me, not a computer but I do have a stitch regulator and, like you, have strong opinions of hand guided vs robotics driven by a computer as well as an appreciation for the skill set needed by both. Definitely LOL at your comment of scribes and printing presses! So true!
For me, longarming is an outlet for my artistic expression and I just don't feel I would get the same satisfaction out of the quilting I do if it was computer generated. Even if I was digitizing my own original design, there is definitely a factor of satisfaction and yes, a certain amount of pride that what comes off of my rack is pretty much my creation, that would not have come about without me. But I would be lying if I didn't wish all my backtracks were spot on with never a miss and if all my repetitive motifs were exactly the same throughout the quilt.
Just an observation I have, it seems that many who have robotics are getting away from custom work and going strictly end to end or light custom. Additionally it seems there are less and less 100% hand guided people out there who quilt for hire. Yes there are still quite a few but I just seem to see more and more hanging up their hat and just doing their own thing, no more client quilts. I do know that many of the Computer driven (CD) setups have the capability to record hand guided (HG) and replicate it throughout the quilt. I know there are some show quilters out there who have both and mix them up and enjoy watching people try to tell the difference between what is CD and what is HG. I have quietly stood by one of my quilts in a show and listened to people comment that it must be CD, although if they had bothered to read the card it said right on it that all work was hand guided with no computer, other than a stitch regulator.
I have talked to a couple of people who have robotics and with some setups (can't speak for Gammill) that even after disconnecting all the belts that drive the machine head, it is still very heavy for hand guided work so they don't feel they can have the same control and precision. It can be done but takes some getting used to.
Many I have spoken too are elated about the upgrade and would never go back. I have never once talked to someone who said they were sorry they did it. I do quilt for others but only part time and have cut way back on my client quilting so I can enjoy quilting my own. Also I can't say how much longer professional LAQ will be an option. It seems so many people are buying their own midarms or longarms. Glad I don't depend on it for my livelihood.