I have never mentioned Captaincy (nor, I believe, has anyone else on this thread) - this is about whether pilots deserve more money
Well, I mention it because ultimately that's what it's all about - airlines don't want career first-officers, they want potential Captains. And it's these people who are the whole subject of the discussion about getting more money in the first place.
if you have the ability to be trained to drive a car (which in the discussion you have) then you also have the ability to be trained as a professional airline pilot
I'll let that one stand for others to judge.
I think the problem is that many believe as pilots they are a special case and so do not realise that they are simply qualified professionals at a cost to their employer
Well, I believe that the job we do has many unique aspects to it which tend to make it a special case. Not the only special case, but special nevertheless. This doesn't mean I think I'm superior to anyone else because of the job I do. But I do think the skills necessary to be a safe and effective airline Captain warrant a certain level of remuneration or terms and conditions than is generally offered at present.