>>32
You know, I think we're arguing past each other. I've already mentioned that I would do this job if I earned the same as everyone else, because I enjoy it. Likewise, the education wasn't a chore, it was interesting and engaging (although not without painful moments). So... I really don't care how long it took to get my education; the journey was enjoyable in its own right.
However, I don't think a communist system would work for the reason you mentioned. There are a lot of people who do this work because it pays well, or it's prestegious (haha, what?), or their parents insisted. If the pay was the same, these people would be gone instantly... and thus there would be far too few of us. Demand isn't elastic.
Unfettered capitalism is detrimental to society, but if you get rid of motivators like money, the system will choke because there isn't any way to get people to do what needs to be done short of force.