And, Hi Aussie Bob,
Many FSO's including myself and others who sometimes post on these pages, were CPL's who did Charter work on their days off.
So when you say 'we as pilots'....t'ain't just you.
Some of us flew in remote areas just about all our flying lives, and appreciated Flight Service and the 'vagaries' of HF radio. It was our 'lifeline'.
The reason I joined FS in the first place was due to a recession in pilot hiring, and my wanting to feed a very understanding wife and two kids...
Then from a very senior FSO in Hedland, 'You can always join FS ya know'....airconditioned office, paid EVERY fortnight'....That was the clincher!!
Still managed to do charters on my days off in various locations....
Cheers Bob.
p.s. and yep! Still enjoying the redundo....and retirement.....
