I wouldn't be giving passengers so much credit. We now have to ask passengers siting in the emergency exit row if they know that they are actually sitting in an emergency exit row and are willing and able to actually operate the exit if need be during an emergency. Why do we have to do that you ask. Well, it seems that after some recent accidents, passengers sitting in those rows had no idea that they were sitting in an emergency exit row and would need to open that exit in the event of an emergency. Even though it is said on average 3 times over the P.A. system before take off. I guess they just thought the were lucky to get the extra leg room. If we are going to talk about people getting paid too much for doing routine things and possibly never doing what they are actually getting paid to do, lets talk about pilot salary. I don't begrudge any pilot making a good living. But if we are vending machines, then what are they? I mean the planes today can even land themselves with only minimal computer input. So, i guess you could say they are well paid systems analysts. Nice try, but your observations are flawed.
P.S. I don't think pilots are overpaid, possibly underworked, but not over paid. My family says the same thing everytime I come home from a trip safe and sound.
