As a non-pilot I am envious of the earnings you guys make, reportedly, but do not begrudge you one penny of it. The level of acceptable salary is very much job dependant and very definitely CAN be considered in relation to training costs. £25K may be acceptable to some, indeed some may aspire to it, but for guys such as you it is an insult. In addition to the initial and ongoing costs you face the responsibity you bear must be born in mind as well as the possibly disruptive lifestyle.
I am annoyed in reading some of the stuff on here as to how your T&Cs are under threat by the voraciousness of the likes of EZY and RYR who now see their workforce as a cash cow. However there is some self-interest involved in that any downward pressure on the upper echelons of the workforce, bankers aside, will very quickly filter down to the lower levels where I am.