There most certainly is a lot of luck involved , coupled with the ability of the individual to keep producing massive sums of money in order to achieve a pilots job.A great pity that the industry has become like this because it keeps many talented people from entering unless they can raise the money. I have been involved in this industry for over 20 years and I would not be too dismissive of blue barons observations , The worst thing to happen to aviation was `low cost` carrier mentality. Make no mistake about it , there is absolutely nothing out there that is ` cheap` without people suffering .
Before anyone mentions what a competetive world we live in and I begin to smile just substitute the word competetive for greedy and you are right on the money. Sorry to go on people but sometimes one feels like letting some truths out.
Good luck anyway.
Cheers.