It would increase the pool of active pilots, but a lot of them would jump out anyway, for reasons you and others have cited. If more guys realized how enjoyable retirement is, even with a greatly reduced income, there would be plenty of upward mobility for younger pilots. Yes, the recent pension-chopping has made some feel trapped on active duty, but many pilots don't appreciate just how well they could do in other fields, even in their 50s and 60s. Some who stayed longer than was prudent may now be reluctant to admit a mistake. But the earlier one makes a move, the better.

There are no tombstones with the inscription: "I wish I'd spent more time at the office".