Pilots in charge of multi million pound aircraft and several hundred lives deserve a far better deal
Unfortunately the "status" and glamour of the past that you bemoan having been lost, is what has attracted numerous unsuitables who are prepared to work for less in more demanding conditions.
While the labour market attracts such individuals, and in the absence of screening at an early stage through more rigourous sponsorship selection, pilots will get no better deal than any other worker in the economy.