Operators like CAT are considered scumbags for a whole slew of reasons. One is the caliber and background of the pilot group. Like you said yourself, CAT has many lifers that can't get a job at a respectable operator for reasons like, violations, accidents, DUI's, personality, personal demeanor, personal cleanliness, B.O., some that barely hable english, and some for being SCABS. The others are low time, inexperienced pilots that have no business in a large transport aircraft. You are there simply because management knows that they can pay you practically nothing and you'll be giddy for fact that you are building, as you say, your "precious" jet time. In fact, some of your pilots even paid to fly there.
The condition of your aircraft and the fact that your crews will knowingly and willingly fly broken aircraft due to the threat of losing your contract if you have a delay makes you a scumbag operator.
