This tale is a great metaphor for all our woes.
Here’s a pilot with literally nothing to lose and he still won’t stand up for himself.
Instead, he accepts being treated sub-standardly, (because of good manners/ professionalism / path of least resistance / shock / or just stupidity - take your pick) and then bleats about it after the fact.
How about when they ask at the gate, “do you want to travel or not”, he says yes, in my booked class, otherwise get me a hotel or your manager, or both.
Now he might be a great guy, absolute gentleman, pleasure to fly with etc etc, but
Stand up for yourself and your entitlements FFS