For the record, if you are fortunate enough to be employed by a large enough company, with reasonable management, it is possible to earn a satisfactory living as a professional flight instructor. In my case, I guess I am fortunate, as are most of my fellow employees.
Mind you, in the beginning (about 10 years ago) things were very different. Casual wages were disgusting, then. I recall being paid about A$15 per flying hour. However, there was a fair bit of flying about then, unlike now. Over time, some rather intense negotiations saw our company comply with the law in this country and actually remunerate its staff to Award levels.
Now, my salary is over A$40K, although it is still a little short of the Award for my position (about A$3K). I am fairly senior, having similar responsibilities as our friend Luke Sky Toddler.
Like the voices above, I agree that GA does not owe anyone a living - no industry does. However, I fell very strongly about the operators who feel it is their right to enter into a business venture, knowing that the opportunities are limited, with the concept that they have absolutely no obligation to remunerate their staff in accordance with national laws. Employees and employers have the right to earn a living, however some employers seem to forget it is they who have chosen to accept the liabilities of business.
It is certainly time for the profits of organisations in this sector of the industry to be increased. However, when one reflects on the completely inefficient manner with which this industry has operated, since its inception, it is unlikely that anything of the sort will occur. At least not in my lifetime, I suspect.
Like most, I love my job (I would not have continued my employment for 10 years, otherwise), I love flying and I love teaching. I am eternally loyal to my employer of 10 years, and respect the organisation immensely. I just wish it was something that would satisfy the financial goals along the way.