Having worked outside aviation for nearly 20 years, I was shocked at the levels of racism and sexism when the door shuts on the simulator and the instructor has you all to himself.
All I'd say is that there are a few people in aviation who can and will get away with things that in any other industry would result in immediate dismissal.
But if you can ignore these types then go for it. A phd in human factors will complement a CPL particularly well and vice-versa.