Be Careful What You Wish For
If we think carefully, there are few desirable jobs where we do not "work for free" or are "underpaid" in our earlier years. A doctor spends 4 years in undergraduate, 3 years in Med School, 2 years in internship where he works 18 hours a day for less than a helicopter pilot and then 2 years in a residency for his specialty with little pay. Is he scum to the seasoned doctors with experience? No, it is simply part of the training to end up where he is going.
Take lawyers, its the same, get out of law school and you will bill 2500 hours per year for six years before becoming a partner and starting to become compensated "fairly" for their work.
I have a Commercial license but I do not fly for a living. Am I scum because a pilot being paid asks me to come along to ferry an aircraft which I shall do for free. Did I take someones job, or am I simply trying to build enough time so that I can be assured of attaining insurance for a personal aircraft. Is it unreasonable to think that the "pay" to me for that trip is reduced cost of insurance and a reduced cost of staying proficient. How do we define "pay"
Most markets are fairly efficient. The reason people in this industry are not paid well is because despite what people say, there are more people willing to take the jobs than there are jobs. Until that changes, wages will be low. Do not count on it changing because flying other peoples helicopters every day beats the blank out of sitting in the office fighting with morons.
I grind away in the office every day to make a reasonable living and it is not very fun. However, the pay afforded to me if I was well employed in the Rotorcraft industry could not keep the boss (wife) happy. It is the facts, it is my choice just as it is your choice. If I won the lottery I would quit and put my Commercial to use, or maybe become a porn star, it is a toss up.
If you want less jobs and more people complaining, try the thought of price controls or minimum wages. The industry can barely sustain itself due to the cost of airframes, spares, fuel and insurance. Force a raise in costs of personnel and there will be some jobs helicopters do now, that will not be done by helicopters simply because it becomes uneconomical. It is a harsh reality but it is the truth that has been proven time and time again. Now, there are opererators taking advantage and attaining above industry norm returns, but over time, the employees figure it out and put an end to it.
I am very envious of those who fly every day and are paid for it. The pay is what it is, and will remain so. If anyone is getting into this business thinking pay will grow significantly greater than inflation is simply evaluating the industry with your heart and not your mind. You have a great life and will have tons of stories to tell. You chose a great career that has rewards not measured in dollars.
When flying becomes no fun, pay will rise. Until that time, eveyone should simply realize that it is a competitive world and if you want to end up in this industry, flying for "free" is just part of attaining your ticket.
Flame away.............