Contrary to popular belief, this career is generally a way to pay the bills and maintain the best possible work/life balance.
VHFRT, nail on the head. In this case, it's also about the ability to commute. This was a completely predictable situation when Air NZ decided to close regional turboprop bases. If someone was previously content to remain a turboprop Captain so they could live where they wanted, they're unlikely to have an issue remaining a S/O for the same reason. Also, you'd be far better off financially living outside of the big smoke (except maybe in Queenstown) on a S/O salary, especially now the gap has been narrowed.
At the end of the day, it's a personal choice, and nobody else's business how people bid!