Don't be sorry. Civilian flying is a joke compared to military flying. That is why there will always be an inseparable gulf between pure civilian background pilots and military background pilots. On the other hand, civilians don't have to write ground training programs, wear MOP gear, get anthrax shots, and watch their friends become smoking holes. You go civilian for either QOL, pay, or both, not because the flying is better. And in today's environment, while the QOL will very probably be better, the pay has certainly eroded, and the flying is boring. You pick a path, and take what comes, hopefully after MUCH thought and investigation.
I do agree with the general concensus - a certain amount of bi*ching is OK, but past an undefined point, gets really old.