"I would have to say for this to be worth it one would have to make $300,000 BEFORE TAXES for ten years."

I would disagree, though we should all shoot for the top. If you really believe your quote, then you're in the wrong biz. Did you believe in your quote before you took your first flying lesson? Did you know how many pilots make 300K before you took your first flying lesson? I will submit that many, many, people making less than 300K as pilots (after taxes) will still consider themselves successful in the career. YMMV....