I do like the idea of daily rates. Seems like the incentives there are much better, as was mentioned. I used to maximize ground time and it always felt a little scummy. But I couldn't make rent otherwise back in the day.
One thing I've been surprised about is the lack of change over the last 20 years. I started instructing in 2000 and the rates are pretty much the same.
The thing I'm interested in is if there are places where the rates are higher (already found one place in Colorado where they're paying close to $50/ hour).
PS - Been a reader of pprune for years. Mostly overseas flying gigs. Just made an account recently which is weird because I've been using the platform for as long as I can remember to find work.