I have to say that all of the above is true and an RAF Crewman will not fulfill as much as an AAC pilot although they are very professional. The NCO route is good and a steady way to fly but by far the best way is to knuckle down at school - uni and join as an Officer. You only do 1 year at Sandhurst then off you go. After 2 years flight training you are part of a Regiment and have some (takes a while to get a lot!!!) kudos and lots of opportunities.
To be slightly impartial, this latter route is also true for the RAF and Navy with the added possibility of being good enough on selection to fly Typhoons etc........................ The harder you work, the greater the reward at your stage?
PS I took the long route, as did Mr T, and don’t regret anything apart from a small incident a few years ago with a set of wires and an over critical Standards Officer – Oops!!!!!
Good luck any way and we may see you in a few years.