Stepped into this thread by accident. Sad story but flying like this was standard back in the 80's and 90's(and of course before but that is before my aviation time).
And, as of post #19, yes, in aviation the world is a village, you always meet persons that you have been with in previous companies. At the end you always meet someone who knows you - so be nice. The world is a village.
Aviation still, sometimes, can be amazing. However - it lost a lot compared to the last century. And not all of the new is really good.