As you can see,
Boney, many of the guys who returned were NOT making "decent dosh". Like me, many of the current
VB Captains were slowly going out backwards, and had only hung on to aviation in the hope that one day, one of the new start-ups would finally gain a foot hold.
Let's not forget about
Compass 1 and
Compass 2.
The pilots flying for
VB are doing so, because they HAVE to, to survive.
Even if it is ekeing out only a meagre existence (compared with what they COULD be making overseas). But they are dedicated to making
VB an ongoing success, for the sake of the younger up and comers.
Far from ruining the Oz aviation industry, the survivors of Hawke's assault on pilots, have assured those aspiring to airlines of a position as F/O's, progressing to a command.
Anyone who believes he is worth more money need only say so at interview time with ANY airline/company anywhere, and make it known to his prospective employer that he is unwilling to join the company for less.
N E X T.
But you are absolutely right,
Boney, aviation does NOT offer a viable financial return on the investment required.