I agree with your points Darkstar. We all have to strive to keep this a worthwhile profession. Unfortunately I think it eventually comes down to basic economics... supply and demand. When there is a shortage of qualified pilots, our salaries and working conditions tend to go up, and when there is a glut of pilots they tend to go down. Unions are able to insulate pilots from this a little, but they just seem to slow down the inevitable. I hope for all our sakes that this economic slowdown is brief, and the demand for qualified aviators will return soon. Until then we'll just have to turn on the seat belt sign and ride this thing out! ;-)