Doesn't every generation of serviceman think the RAF/Army/Navy etc is going to hell in a handcart?
The shape will change (over and over), but some things won't.
There will be no shortage of aircrew candidates. It's a **** hot way to work every day; the pay's great (don't think it's not!), and no-one has to join or stay.
This site will still be home to career whingers, eternal optimists and wind-up merchants in the same proportion.
Newbies won't know any better, until they know enough to know better, and they still won't have to stay.
Now, where's my pipe n slippers?