It has a lot to do with supply and demand. I would never argue that a Lawyer or Doctor has followed an easy path. The oversupply of pilots willing to fly for a less than living wage has a very strong effect on the group as a whole.
Many people risk their lives to enter this country every day and it isn't because there are no opportunities here. We happen to be in a very cyclic business and there are indications that we may be in this low point on the cycle for quite a while longer. People do what they must and it isn't always for a good reason.