the issue really is using your brains to do what you are paid to do and i believe pilots are smart people infact better that arts stream management types with degrees in sastra melayu and the likes and then put into positions to run a division in an airline
The arts stream management types may not be that smart when it comes to maths or whatever but they are " politically and corruption " savvy. They may be dumb and run their companies to the ground but they know how to screw up your life; they know how to implement policies to cut down flight ops down to size. They advise the top managements how to limit your authority, limit your privileges, screw up your career progression etc! So don't be so smug thinking pilots are smart; history says otherwise.