An Equality Indicator

Some years ago when I was beginning in the orchestral profession, I was somewhat bemused by some of my older collegues who likened the status of musicians to servants - we wear the same uniform and are regarded with the same respect, with financial rewards and public respect not being what they might be for people who have worked so hard to get to their level in the business. I did not really share this feeling at the time, but some years later I am more inclined to agree.
A friend from the opera recently was telling me about the party thrown for the crew  on Gala night. Everybody was there - cast, chorus, backstage crew, administration, all sorts of hangers on. Nobody from the orchestra was invited. I am sure that many musicians simply want to go home after the show anyway, and admittedly the numbers in an orchestra can sometimes be an issue in situations like this. Do the ‘powers that be’ not have the ability, or the will to have musicians feel part of the team - to find a way to have these musicians represented? In an art form where there is much public subsidy does nobody feel any responsibility to treat those involved with a sense of respect and equality?