I have plenty of life experience thank you and if its one thing that I've learned its that your attitude has a strong impact on reality.
Positive people are far more likely to get ahead in life than the pessimists.
I see your points and I can understand your logic behind them as well Headmaster. However your points are largely based on a pessimistic view that airlines are only interested in screwing cadets over along with the airline industry is going to be getting worse rather than better.
I perhaps have more faith that while yes, airlines do want to reduce costs where they can, that they are not simply out there to make life miserable for cadets for their own money gains.