Flyaways,
Dont listen to the comments putting you down on here!
You approached a COMMERCIAL organisation and basically they ripped the p1ss out of you as regards wages! It was below minimum wage as some have already stated, you could probably shop them in if you wanted to, give them a wake up call! You gave a shift a go, realised what their business model was and have moved on. Thats life!
A genuine organisation would have fairly compensated you for your volunteering! The fact they said that you will never get off the dishes says to me they have no interest except lining their own pockets and not helping out genuine newcomers.
I dont think you have come across as privledged or stuck in any of your posts. Its upto you how you fund your flying, be it dishes, retail, driving a taxi, etc ... Common sense says pick the option that is going to get you to your goal quickest or get you their learning more than you would have the convential route - not washing up!
J.