That instructing is not filled with a great number of serious professionals I feel is at the heart of the matter...at least, the left chamber.
If we had experienced pilots going back to teach as CAT I or II instructors, I feel we would have better pilots coming out from the flight schools. They would understand better the paths open to them, and I believe many would spend a year or two instructing if they had ex-Air Force and ex-Industry bosses who well remembered what is was like being a 250 hour instructor helping them learn the ropes.
If I could go back and be the one to write the CARS for a Chief Flight Instructor, my input would be to make it a requirement that they have a minimum of 5 years experience as PIC of a commuter or transport category aircraft, among other things.
I know, I know: who in the hell would go from that to instructing. If the pay and benefits were good enough, I'd take the bait for a couple years.
Now, getting back to topic. IF we had that sort of requirement, it would open up jobs as Captains left for both the airlines and instructing jobs, leading to a flow on effect where pilots would move from licensing to instructing to line flying. Not a full fix, but enough to reduce the pilot raping programs? Maybe.
But then, I'm a dreamer.