Why does the industry suck so much?   

Its a class thing. Serious commercial aviation started arter WWII. There were lots of cheap assets, both human and physical, available to ignite the industry. In the begining pay was poor because lots of qualifed pilots would take an adventurous job at low pay rather than going back to the farm or Soda J*rking. In time, due to market forces and union solidarity, the value of aviation professionals was recognized by both the public and industry as quite high. Little boys wanted to be Airline Pilots above dotors and lawyers. John Wayne was hollywood's choice to play the high and mighty.

The came Vietnam. The Army's (jungle) mobility problem was serviced by masses of younger, lesser educated, pilots that were stigmatized (in the industry's view) by being Warrant Officers instead of Commissioned Officers.  This was at a time when "aviation cool" was defined by astronauts, all USN, USAF, or USMC Jet Fighter pilots. They were flying fast, high and sexy.  The helicopters were low, slow and ugly. And, service in Vietnam was not seen as heroic like WWII, the valor of the returning mass of helicopter pilots was stolen.

These are the guys that built the industry. For better or worse. Sure some things suck, but there wouldnt be a job for you without them.  Helicopter pilots will never get the respect or pay of airline pilots, that's why so many guys transition and everyone gives transition serious consideration.  Ever hear of an airline pilot that wants to fly HEMS?