Ah, the usual nonsence that pilots T's and C's are not to blame. The tour operators are concerned with overheads and the pilots are a significant cost. If the job can be out sourced more cheaply then it will be. A pilots worth is only what the market will stand and this will determine thier worth or 'proper' pay. As for airline profitability, the tour operator is selling the product and thus generating income not the airline, unless it sub contacts. The only way to reckon the airlines 'profitability' is to compare with what alternatives are available. Airlines no longer exist for the benefit of the pilots, even BA have to work for a living these days.