Why not both? Reaper has actions you can search for, but you can also put them in custom toolbars. I've been getting into Reaktor lately. It's like a virtual modular thing, but ranges from low-level (programming DSP) to high (playing instruments or plugging effects together). The main way to find things to add when patching stuff together is via search. You can create macros, basically little containers with inputs and outputs, and pull them into new projects and wire stuff into them.

I would not be surprised if newer fighter interfaces are already customized for the pilot in this way.