Not at all ungrateful, just out of touch with reality when compared to other jobs flying medium sized airplanes
You're making the wrong comparison Yip.
You shouldn't be looking at the planes, but rather the CREW that pilot them.
I'm sure you know there are numerous "entry-level" corporate and charter jobs that operate similar equipment to what we fly. ("medium-sized airplanes" as you described them)
In fact, early in my career as a "freshly-minted" 500 hour First Officer, I flew charter for one of these companies in an aircraft very similar to the one I now fly for NJ.
In the here and now, I'm essentially performing the same duties as I did all those years ago, but for a larger compensation package.
So why do you think that is?
Do you suppose several thousand hours of experience and a few decades worth of additional experience have anything to do with it?
You could make a similar comparison between a recent medical school graduate and a surgical veteran. Although both are licensed the same, and both technically possess the same skillset, who do you think commands the higher salary?
Once upon a time, experience used to matter to NJ and they were willing to pay for seasoned flight crew.
Sadly, those days seem to be over.
NJ is no longer remotely competitive with other company compensation packages who are hiring pilots with the same level of training, experience, and qualifications.
In this regard, I believe they are the ones "out of touch with reality..."