"Why should we be paid more,..." Well for a start because the financial commitment to become a pilot is about twenty times that to become a coach driver, nor does an HGV driver have to pass a stiff test twice a year to keep his licence - if that was actually a serious question.
You say you've never done aviation for the money. If by this you mean it wasn't your prime motivation, then me neither. But if you mean the financial remuneration is unimportant that suggests aviation is a hobby to you rather than a profession.