HFP,
I think one of the problems is guys thinking we need to fight for respect or "dignity" from the company. Who gives a f### what they think about us, they will never respect us because we are are just cogs in the wheel of the company.
As you say, they don't care about long term. Direct entry, and giving training/flying to KA is a short term fix but once it's implemented it will be here for the long term.