"couple of flogged out old warriors and a 182, I'm offering you the opportunity to operate these for bugger all money, in a poxy old Sh!ithole"
Traveler, I think you are missing the point. After 30 years of flying I admit, I still operate flogged out old aeroplanes on the odd occasion and love it. I really couldn't be happier than when I line up an old Cessna on a bush strip or wilderness river.
The point is, some employers think it is they that are doing the favour when they put you in the drivers seat. Some even think you should do it for nothing. It has to work both ways. No one is doing me a favour when they offer me these things to fly.