An interesting observation indeed QNIM – but the lesson I would learn appears to be different from the implication of your post…..
A common theme in this thread is the “dog eat dog” world of people starting out in the Australian Aviation industry. The “confrontation” you mention is a graphic example of what happens when personal greed wins over an ordered negotiation. What happened in ’89 was no different to what is happening to you now, with a few individuals willing to trample anyone else in order to get to a better position.
Whatever your personal view of the ’89 thing, if nothing else, it ought to illustrate the futility of trying to achieve improved conditions as an individual. There are just too many people, who, like you and me, love aviation and are willing to endure just about anything to make a living out of it.
The only organization in Australia with the experience and expertise to represent you is the AFAP. Learn from history!