Good point you make regarding what do those seeking a first job thihk is so fantastic about flying commercially that they would seel their souls to get in.
Do not for a moment think that this job has anything in common with flying a light aircraft with friends on a day of you choice, that is a pleasure, this is a job. It has all the negative sides of most other jobs that you may have had, anti-social working hours, plenty of stress and fast diminishing terms and conditions. The Ryanairs of this world are well aware of the dreamers out there that think that operating a machine with jet engines is possibly the greatest thing they could ever do and therefore worth any sacrifice, either financial or in a personal sense. I know that many will take no notice until it is too late, its a shame that a work experience scheme is not available to try this industry for 6 months, that would change many peoples expectations believe me.