You've said a few things that I object to.
Are you actually saying the term "Hobbyist" should be held in higher esteem than "Professional" because "Hobbyists" are "fun" to be around? I hate to break this to ya, but if you want fun I can refer you to a number of flying clubs in the DFW area that offer a great community atmosphere, and a wide variety of "fun" aircraft to "tinker around on". Otherwise, this "mere professional" is pretty serious about his career, and the industry as a whole.
Look, I build iphone apps on my time off and overnights. I'm not particularly good at it, but its fun and a challenge and I'll eventually get better at it. Who knows one day I may make my very own fart app and make money off people who want to spend a buck for fart noises. A guys gotta dream, right?
I may even get to the point where I consider doing it PROFESSIONALLY. As in doing a task to a higher level than what is expected of someone. As in, not a hobby.
Just because I'm "merely a professional" doesn't mean that I don't truly love and enjoy what I do. I walk in to the crew room looking forward to my day with a smile on my face, every time.
(Except when I'm overnighting in BHM. BHM sucks
)
You'll actually find that most "merely professional pilots" don't ***** all that much. Why? Because for the most part its preaching to the converted and a waste of energy. I hate flying with those guys because it just makes the trip a total downer. "Merely professional pilots" get on message boards and ***** because nobody else wants to hear it and they need an outlet, they're at home bored on days off with a 6 pack, or they have an "internet tough guy" alter ego.
That being said:
Let's face it. Mesa for all of its other strong points, or any other regional for that matter, does not compensate its employees in a professional manner. As someone who is "merely a professional", who as spent many years honing my craft, I will continue to spend the rest of my career honing my craft in the pursuit of greater responsibilities that coincide with my abilities. I object to you making the statement that I'm simply "hoping for a bigger paycheck". It's not about me "hoping" for anything, it's about me being compensated in a manner that fits the level of responsibility and skill that's required at the present or next level of my career.
I challenge any "hobbyist" to care about this industry and their job more than a "mere professional".