I agree, that is the case in recent years, but. . .this "cancer" in our profession commenced back in around 2004/05 (if memory serves me well) when Ryanair offered (and at that stage it was "offered" as opposed to "obliged" ) this option. Many jumped at it, due to the short term earning potential, which was considerable, particularly for line tng Capts. . . but, of course, it couldn't last forever.
I am fully aware that for some years there has been no choice & to those faced with that "rock & a hard place " decision I sympathise, but the fault is as much due to the short term greed of colleagues who preceded you, as it is to corporate greed.