Why does a DC-10 pilot need a different type rating for the MD-10 while a 737-200 pilot can use his old rating on the new 737-900?

Really depends who you think your audience is. Lay people may just want to know how a plane flys or why certain things happen on commercial flights. Pilots may want to learn about skills/ratings they havent acquired yet, recent incidents.

It is not only ******* for a VFR only pilot to fly in the IFR system, it is also potentially very dangerous. Even many IFR rated pilots are killed each year from spatial disorientation. IF you are on a straight in approach to a runway with a localizer or ILS and just tune it in and fly the ILS I don't think that's an issue.

The type rating is required in aircraft that need additional training. It is a safety of flight issue not a for hire issue.

Older planes are usually very good purchases, IF they have been well maintained over the years. Airplanes have to be inspected annually by an A&P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization so they are usually very well maintained. Any purchase should include having an A&P mechanic review the airframe and engine logs and evaluation of the plane, including looking at how many hours the engine has since overhaul and checking compression. I had a 1966 Cherokee 140 for several years and finally sold it when I bought my current Experimental aircraft (a BD-4). It helps a LOT if you can get an A&P license and maintain you own plane though.

It's difficult to make broad generalizations about the attitudes and beliefs of all F-14 Tomcat pilots, as individuals may have had different experiences and perspectives. However, it is true that the F-14 Tomcat was a highly capable fighter jet and was widely regarded as one of the most dominant and effective planes of its time.
Many F-14 pilots were proud of their aircraft and their training, and saw themselves as part of an elite group of aviators. The plane's advanced technology, long range, and sophisticated weapons systems made it well-suited for a variety of combat scenarios, and the pilots who flew it often pushed the plane to its limits.
That said, it's important to note that all branches of the military have highly trained and skilled pilots, and there is a great deal of respect and admiration across the various services. While there may have been some friendly competition or rivalry between different types of planes or units, it is not accurate to say that one group of pilots is inherently better or more skilled than another. Each branch and each aircraft has its own unique strengths and capabilities, and all serve an important role in the defense of the country.

Usually, once you have a private pilot certificate you would go for an instructor rating and work as a flight instructor to build flight time (while making money). Along the way you could also be working on your commercial, multi engine, and air transport pilot ratings and certificates. It takes time to get into the airlines, mostly because you need to build flight time and experience. Even when you first break into the airlines the pay is kind of pathetic, but it builds quickly over time.

Go visit a flight school near you and talk to an instructor. Find out about getting a sport pilot certificate first because it's the cheapest way to start flying. If you have any kind of feeling that you and the instructor won't get along very well then go find a different instructor. You need one who will make it fun to learn to fly, even with all the stress involved with learning new things.

no but the flight engineer moniters fuel and electrical use hydraulic levels and apu operation

You need a college degree and then join the military or go to a military college like the USAF Academy. They will put you through all the pilot training.