Well said shortfinalfred
I have massive respect for pilots
But the public opinion is well watered down as far as pilots go and i believe the low cost model is to blame i can fly to europe from dublin almost as cheap as the bus donegal so its not like it used to be... a big deal to fly when i started travelling the crew always got a round of applause after landing i cant remember the last time heard that !!
i believe if you are getting a service provided by someone who spent time putting that skill between there ears the u should show respect ...