To quote V6g:-
"Like it or not, pilots don't create value nor do they increase profit"
Well, i guess requesting more direct routings, analysing Wx charts for the best winds, seeking out cheaper fuelling downroute, engaging with customers and focussing on their requirements during flight (biz-jet), negotiating cheaper handling and querying invoices and saving money - to name but a few items of the top of my head - well, i believe the above create a certain level of "value" albeit maybe small, and certainly will increase profit for the operation as a whole - or am i wrong and perhaps we should all just not be professionals and accept whatever we're given then V6g ??