abr69,
I don't know how long you were working with your RAF/RN crews. On a sqn, the crews change all the time. The programme will dictate how often you fly with individuals, sometimes people have been on the same unit as you have not flown with you for most of a tour. So if you were paired up with certain individuals, or just one particular sqn/type, you might not have the full picture.
The atmosphere on a sqn is often dependent on the boss. He sets the tone, and this permeates down to the rest of the sqn. Op tempo is another a factor, so don't be surprised if you go to a sqn that has a dip morale due to continuous ops, and mates killed/injured.
What I'm trying to say is, your experience might not reflect the big picture of sqn life. Mates always stick together, and the younger crewmen on the sqns I served on have looked after each other. Don't forget as well that many get a commission after some time as a crewman.