Srennaps,
I wholeheartedly agree. I've been out for 5 after 24 in and miss all the things you state also. I was lucky enough to spend my entire career as an engineer on 1st line and was privileged to work with some truly exceptional leaders, JEngOs, SEngOs and Aircrew. I can think of 2 particular Sqn Commanders (F3 & GR7) who I would readily have followed off a cliff! Indeed, one of them was decorated for said leadership on return from OP TELIC.
I now work for an airline and can only say things are very different!