Everyone is entitled to their opinion J3, and you're obviously very passionate.
I'm not wingeing, I don't regret a thing and I had a good time. I spoke with many friends before deciding to leave the industry. Most of them were, like me, ex-military and found civil aviation a bit mundane and unsatisfying. That is the main reason why I left and turned down quite a few jobs. I still fly casually for a couple of operators because I still enjoy it, just not as a career.
The majority of people I do know who have gone on to airlines have done so at great expense, and good on them if it makes it happy. But most will never be on par with a professional uni-grad for total earnings minus costs, not even close.
You ask how I know? Because I did it, I thought I made that clear. If you want to say something personal then PM me for contact details and we'll continue off forum.