I wholeheartedly agree that everyone is entitled to an opinion and I, for one, am very glad that we are not all the same. Life would be dull if that were the case.
I was just trying to answer the original question. Would I as an 18/21 year old still want to join the RAF as a fighter pilot in 2012? The answer is a categorical yes because I wouldn't know any different. I joined in 1999 having harboured the dream of flying FJs since my parents took me to the Yeovilton Air Days of the early 80's. Wild Horses couldn't have dragged me away (tenuous Rolling Stones reference).
Not just you, and yes perhaps I did read your comments wrongly. Your point is sustained. But as I said earlier, we can only judge honestly based on our experiences and beliefs. As you said, if you've not yet HAD those experiences, then I agree.
Sounds a bit quaint, but I did join up and learn a trade and I'm grateful for that. Would I join up now . . . unequivocally no. What would I do instead - wow, that's the tough one, frankly I don't know.
Anyway, thanks for clearing that up - that's one of the better things about some folks on the site. Not everyone can do that without a slanging match.
Take care.