I was lucky enough to meet Alistair at the BA condo in New York, a year or so ago. He's a typical low key, matter of fact guy and an absolute credit to our profession.
When I was really young and stupid, to be in his shoes at that point in time was a student pilot's dream. Now that I know a little more, I hope I never have to repeat his achievement.
Bottom line is, because (hopefully) we make our job look easy, we are sometimes given less than the respect this great profession deserves.
Next time someone says you're paid too much, remind them it's not what you do on a normal day, it's what you'll do when you're in Alistair's shoes.
Cheers, DD