You know what is great about USA is that you are free - and that means these poor pilots were free to not be pilots or free to work at another airline.
Mr. Cake, you obviously are not an airline pilot and that's ok. Not everyone can be. But it appears you like trying to interact with them on the Professional Pilots Rumour Network. Good for you.
You are absolutely correct that pilots in the USA (and I would think the UK) are free not to be pilots. Most of us in the profession have a love for flying and that's why we enter the profession in the first place. Hopefully you are employed in a profession you love. Many people that aren't pilots love flying as well but didn't have the ability to fly or couldn't pass the physical standards required.
Pilots really aren't "free" to work at any airline they choose. Airlines select the pilots they want and can furlough them at will. After 9/11 numerous pilots found themselves out of a job. Airline hiring is greatly a matter of timing and that's beyond the control of most would be pilots. Other factors in getting hired are letters of recommendation, background checks, company physicals, company testing (mental and/or psychological), licenses, a first class medical certificate, type ratings, requisite hours and experience in turbine powered aircraft, pilot in command time, passing the interview, a simulator check, and a probationary period. It's really not as easy as you try to insinuate. But, not being an airline pilot, you wouldn't really know. Once established in a company as an airline pilot, one must maintain his/her medical qualifications, pass periodic written tests, company line checks, FAA line checks (in the USA), and at least yearly simulator checks. If a pilot opts to attempt changing companies, the process starts over again. Due to the seniority system, pilots are generally "married" to their companies. If you don't already know, seniority determines upgrade, equipment type, pay, vacations, days worked, days off, basing, and being on reserve. Though the seniority system has it's draw backs, show me a fairer system.
Answer this - when flying New York to LA what is the average pilot doing?
Northbeach, thank you for an eloquent answer to Mr. Cake's question. All airline pilots hope that each and every flight is "average" and that all we have to be is "average" airline pilots. I doubt if anyone that was on Sullenberger's aircraft into the Hudson thought he was paid too much.