I think the general public (rightly) looks at the people in front charged with their safety in a similar way they might look at a doctor or surgeon. At least that's the impression I've gotten over the years. It's not simply a 'hired help' kind of thing.
I wish that was true but most people simply want the lowest price and don’t consider the experience or training of those upfront. They board through the aero bridge and wouldn’t even know what type of aircraft they were flying on. If they see the Pilots at all they are in uniform and assume that they are therefore qualified and know what they are doing.
The knowledgeable passengers who are willing to spend a bit more are a small minority.