Paul
The number one issue in GA is the guy in the seat. The exact number is somewhere between 70/80% of all GA accidents are pilot error. The equipment failure mode is insignificant as compared to the pilot. Just attended an AOPA Air Safety Foundation seminar last night about pilot error accidents. Short field, grass strip and 300+ pounds over max gross weight and attempted a takeoff with no flaps. Two pilots in a Champ and crashed into mountainous rising terrain. 2 1/2 accidents per week average of exhausted fuel.
Don't disagree with your analysis, but there has to be a number of factors that must align to cause an equipment failure accident. Jeff is absolutely right in that GA needs more training and standardization. How is it that the airlines turn in such stellar performance, if it is not training and standardization?

Our accident rate will go down if we increase our training, make reasoned decisions, and not let our egos get in the way.

Giff Marr
LIV-P N229GM Almost finished.