my 'professional' opinion on the matter is that its probably not a matter of jealousy or a vendetta against pilots, but just a general lack of professionalism in the customer service world. The job pays a meager hourly wage and anyone who can produce clean peepee can get the job, which obviously opens the door to a lot of people who most definitely do not hold professionalism and courtesy in a high regard.
There was a thread sometime ago about 'professionalism' and it was unfortunate to see many, many pilots on here saying that once they are paid as 'professionals' they would ACT like 'professionals'.
If this truly is a common sentiment among pilots then you shouldn't be too surprised to find gate agents acting 'UNprofessional' if they are, as AZFlyer contends. making a meager hourly wage. It would seem that some on here would WANT professionalism from those in different circumstances but don't see the need to act that way at the same time.
That is disappointing as you say AZFlyer.
USMCFLYR