Aviator,
I'm sure your reply was in reply to my sarcastic comment. I'm certainly not trying to act cool because I already am.
You have now explained yourself a little bit more but I am still incredulous at some of the questions you are asking.
Well this attitude of a professional with thousand of hours who doesnt care about a low-time pilot most of the time comes from people who themselves are in the same pool they have been making fun of!!
I am one of the lucky ones not to be drowning in the pool. But my colleagues and I do not owe you anything and you need to change your attitude to reflect this.
I will how ever apologise for my blunt sarcasm.
But you DID ask how many are in the pool just like you. And my guess remains the same:
20'000 world wide.