If you look at the issue from a business perspective, there is absolutely no reason to alter the status quo (flight safety considerations aside). Part of the problem is that aviators have fuelled the dream (illusion?) that flying is glamourous, sexy etc etc. We hide behind big words/acronyms, tell tales of 'daring do' and encourage people to aspire to be like us (complete with a few gold bars). In this respect, we are very similar to the military in encouraging an environment of social hierarchy. The reality is (and has been for some time) that most flying as a job is not glamourous, can be exceedingly boring, plays havoc with any idea of a stable lifestyle and is like many other jobs. We do it for various reasons: to pay bills; because we value those rare few seconds of freedom; we believe that things will get better; it's all we're good at; we are afraid of leaving our comfort zone. When we wake up and realise that our job is no different to any other profession then maybe things will improve. But as long as there are those who are willing to sell the family silver (literally) to get a blue plastic wallet (followed sometime later by a green one) then things will never change, despite the combined wisdom of PPRuNe.
Of course, the above may just be the result of one too many drams before lunch.
