Some valid points Capt M but I reckon we need to also remember that although we as pilots (or trainee pilots in my case) are the last link in the 'supply chain', there are others that are also working hard to ensure we get bums on seats, making sure the aircraft isn't tech, making sure there are crew for the flight etc... If they don't do their job properly then we can't do ours...in that sense we're all equally important in the supply chain, ideally working towards a common goal.
No I'm not airline management. Yes I work for an airline and yes I am training to join the pilot fraternity.
RichC