"Worst of all, UAV operators are not shown the same respect as pilots who go into the air aboard their aircraft."

"The problem is that UAV operators (all of them pilots of manned aircraft) get none of the enjoyable aspects of flying (operating a jet, especially a fighter) and a lot more of the drudgery (constantly monitoring instruments and what is going on below)."

Yeah, I can see how pilots of manned aircraft would look down on UAV operators due to the fact that the UAV operator isn't personally putting his life at risk whereas a pilot of manned aircraft is. I think the idea of having NCOs operate the UAVs makes sense, as the officer only rule may be a bit outdated.