Its such a intense argument I believe because of the unusual nature of aviation.
There can't be many industries where the recreational and professional collide quite so keenly. You don't have weekend doctors who preform a bit of surgery on themselves and their mates, halving the bill at the end because they love the work. (although I'm sure most doctors do love their work, the amature and professional word don't collide... because there isn't an amature world)
I sometimes look at the job ads for Airways, six months training and you're in an ATC job getting $50k+ and wonder if I made the right choice. Then I remember that horrible truth, I love flying. A sentiment shared by most on this board I'm sure.