You know, I never really worry about who thinks being a pilot is cool or not. It's cool for me, and thats that. I've found that people who lean on being a pilot to increase thier social status tend to fall flat whenever the conversation goes beyond aviation. Either you're a cool guy (or gal) outside of flying or you're not; flying dosen't really make you one way or another, although it does tend to amplify.
All a uniform does for me is signify to everyone that I am the go-to guy for any and all questions regarding seat assignment, gate assignment, connection information, security issues, electric carts, food on board, baggage claim or delays-- all completely independent of what airline you actually have a ticket with, what language you speak, or what airport in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico I happen to be in at the time. You'll still ask.
But you know what? I'll still try to help anyway, and for a couple of reasons: one, I see how the average airport employee treats passengers, and I feel a sense of self-preservation compelling me to change at least one or two people's opinions about flying. Might work, might not- but you can still walk up to me and ask in perfect Mandarin at what gate Korean Air flight 300 is located, and you can be assured of me delivering a big goofy grin, a friendly face, and directions in perfect Spanglish to the nearest bathroom.
Reason two is that I really like my job. [gasp!] I'm not flying F-22's, but then again I'm not flying 152's either. I've got a really nice jet with a lav, a coffee maker, a flight attendant, and lots of gadgets up front to play with. It's not the worlds best flying job, but it's far closer to being the best than it is to being the worst. Decent pay, good benefits, Doubletree hotels, Paris for free-- it's kinda hard to complain.
So does it live up to the dream? Not quite, but close enough!