[QUOTE=spektrum;10572685]Fair call. Curiously where do you draw the line of lousy / not lousy?
I would draw the line of lousy/not lousy based on earning enough that a pilot can afford to provide modestly for a family and maybe even save enough for a reasonable retirement. Despite all the comments that it is wrong to compare I can't help but mention that a Melbourne suburban train driver earns around the same as a RFDS / Regional Captain pilots fixed pay before his/her penalty rates kick in, possibly doubling his/her take home pay. The train driver does this with zero training costs or years of striving, simulator and medical renewal and job security for life.