Well, it took a couple of years, but divide and rule appears to have infiltrated not only APS/NAPS/new joiners but also aircrew vs groundcrew/engineers. 'Don't want your sympathy'. You probably won't get it. Or support, for that matter. I was flushed out of the pool (ex-mil pilot) following Sep 11 and looking at it now, I'm glad. LHR, traffic and taxes, yours to keep.
Pilots are about as 'special' as any other cog in the wheel that flies aircraft from A to B. More skilled than other cogs, therefore more money, yes. 'Special'. Well that's open to interpretation.