No degree required, relatively great pay, and some people thrive under that kind of stress

Well we look at it objectively (as a country whatever) and say, hey, here is a pain point with potential for engineering excellence. And then engineer our way to a place of superiority. Basically mandate that the cost of air travel/traffic (for EVERYTHING) is calibrated to be able to support the infrastructure it relies on? Top heavy corporate structures (aka cutting corners for profit) pretty much only ends one way and that's with people dying.

I have to imagine there are a lot of people who not only thrive at this career path but love it. Have you heard the famous one at JFK tower whose always cracking some joke but runs a very very tight ship?