Why would anybody want to be an airline pilot?
Well there are worse jobs!
Luck is everything. I don't think there was much between me and my contemporaries at my flying school. One or two have done extremely well and lead football player lifestyles. On the other hand some never even used their commercial licence. Very sad.
But in short to answer your question:
Because if luck is on your side as a middle of the road type of guy you can have a truly
fantastic lifestyle. I accept things may be slightly more of a struggle now than 10 years ago but the potential is still there with a few compromises.