You have more or less directly hit the nail on the head, Uplink, and that is precisely what many should do, if they don't like it...leave.
I spent quite a few years in the Middle East, but when I noticed that smiling at the bank book was not all that satisfying anymore, moved on to greener pastures.
And, not more salary either...about equal, but with much nicer folks to work with (less agravation) and better destinations.
Its called different strokes for different folks, but some can only moan and moan...and moan, and seemingly never be truly satisfied.
Do pilots in general moan more than others?
Yep, they sure do.
Often wondered just why, as surely these same problems crop up in many occupations.
Professional flying can be a wonderful way to make a living, if only you can 'look around' the small stuff.
Sadly, many cannot.
A couple of years ago, many here mentioned that 'EK will never need direct entry Captains, as in....'our First Officers are a cut above the rest, and the upgrade is assured.'
Oh really?
Hasnt panned out that way, now has it?
Yep, told you so then, but no one wanted to believe.
Now, the other shoe had dropped, and some are not happy about the whole affair.
OTOH, the company seems to be doing rather nicely, so make the most of it....or move.
Simple as that.