PF,
The reason pass benefits are an issue in the US is that due to the destruction of the airline industry here, pilots live all over and it is a rather large place. It is more of a commuting issue for guys who have older children and do not or can't for various reasons, move. So commuting to work is common in the USA. (Commuting sucks too.) So while spending an extra $50 for a holiday is one thing, an extra $50 each time you go to work is a bit worse.
Personally, I would trade the $700 a month I now have to pay for my crappy health insurance and my free travel (I can never go anywhere anybody wants to though as the planes are full) for a good job with a profitable carrier. Even if I have to spring a few extra $$ for a pass.
Be nice to have an employer who doesn't expect you to change bases all the time. (4 in one year, 25 base assignments in 20 years.) That way it is possible to live where you are based. A BIG plus.