Well after reading all the individual responses, two points have crystalised.
1. People are willing to fly for food because when you are new and green behind the ears that is the only way of getting your foot into the door.
After all the Insurance will be loaded against newcomers and the employers of course are not very keen entrusting you with their very expensive maschine and of course reputation.
2.It's a question of view point, whether helicopter flying is work or pleasure.
I am lucky enough to say it is pleasure and I know it can finish tomorrow.
Life is what you make of it. And I for one wish to fly in the Great British Isles doing anything I can which involves flying Helicopters returning nightly to my loved ones.
Regards Brilliant Suff