I think Krusty is right.
People just want to get on a plane and go from A to B. It's "the plane" that gets them there.. not the 'pilots.' (mental thinking)
Until their flight is cancelled, or frequently cancelled, is when they will start wondering about any pilot shortage.
But good thought Charlie. It'd be nice if people got the right information and facts, compared to being led up the garden path by media and management types.