Refusing to understand that being an airline pilot possibly with many years of experience has nothing in common with the path of becoming a tradesman is not a good approach to our declining T&Cs either.
Yes I do look down o a "menial" job because I have spent my life working my @rse off to make it up being a captain examiner in one of the most important airlines in the world and yes I do consider myself at a higher social level.
I do consider my alternates when flying because I am trained to do it and I have been assessed by my employers as being able to do it and also teach it... go figure... so don't bring in these stupid parallelisms between flying and life's plan B, C and so on.
By the way, You don't have to fly with me ; You can go and ask Your plumber or electrician to fly You somewhere. They might work as airline pilots as a part time hobby.