In the GAO report, page 32:
"For example, increasing recruiting requires fewer resources than raising wages; further recruitment efforts could also be halted if labor market conditions change, whereas wages, once raised, may not be easily lowered."
Translation: Airline management has zero desire to raise wages.
Page 33:
"Improve wages and fringe benefits. Increasing wages will help increase the number of personnel willing to work in a particular position or occupation. However, employers are reluctant to do this because they may be forced to raise the wages of current employees as well. Further, unlike some other actions, once wages are raised, it is unlikely that they will be reduced later if hiring becomes less difficult."
Translation: Airline management has a solution to this "pilot shortage" but prefers to find cost free way to solve this issue.
Conclusion: Airline management could care less about their pilots. But they want to have their cake, and eat it in their mansions.