Look at the productivity gains the companies have had since the 80's.This is where your $49 SYD-MEL fare should come from.Most airlines then were glad to get 500 hours a year out of a pilot.Now they have halved the salary and double the flying hours.If this is not exploitation of a passion I don't know what is!!There will always be wannabies prepared to be exploited, but where will the experience come from for the LHS longterm? This is where the shortage will occur.