Thanks guys,
Those two viewpoints seem to be the prevailing ones. I can't help but wonder about some of the points in J R's post:
Flying short haul, is there any opportunity to see the wonderful places, or do you stay in the airport as the aircraft gets turned around? And is it a silly question to ask if you ever get blaze or bored of the wonderful views?
I appreciate all your view, and am just trying to build up my own picture.