Iceman, you obviously don't understand the word 'profession'.
Dr's, Bankers, Traders and Lawyers expect to live a certain lifestyle due to the years of schooling, cost, and skill it took to get to their designation/position.
Your suggestion that a Pilot should get less, is simply ignorant.
No one is coming to Hong Kong for the Culture or the Air Quality.
It's about money.
Given an unlimited supply of it money, I would certainly never visit China, HK, Taiwan or most of Asia every again, let alone work here.
Its no wonder that other countries are full of Asians who've left to find a better life and not be surfs as you suggest. Content with public bus' and fish balls, grateful to the Dear Leader everyday for their existence.
Muppet.