I need schooling - old vs. new engines

The older I get and the less "motor" I see under a good every day, plus more wires, black boxes etc makes me crave the simplicity of a /6 or an LA motor with a simple carburetor on top. Less crap to go wrong. If my 4 pin ecu dies I can bolt on another and go in 5 minutes, no programming, no tow bill to a dealer that can do so, no wait for one to be shipped in.
If it don't have it it can't leave me stranded.
There's so much to be said for a $20 mechanical fuel pump that takes 2 bolts to r&r and not a tank drop. Or. Separate inner/outer wheel bearings, races and seals that can be serviced vs a hub assy that costs so much more just to buy.