Re all this guff about power-crazed captains
I had always thought the real problem was younger cabin crew and ground staff - dizzy with their new found responsibility and authority and self-importance.
I had assumed the PIC were generally sufficiently mature and sensible (and recognised they had far too much at stake) to get into petty power games. That is certainly the case with the pilots I know. A lot of time, blood, sweat, tears and $ to get those wings, so respect the authority granted and don't overstep the mark.
However the attitudes of a few "pilots" here has been a disconcerting revelation. Maybe it really is an industry wide thing.