How does each service view transitions from enlisted to officer

I started my career as an enlisted Soldier and ended it as a major. Being prior enlisted did give me a better understanding of what life was like for the Soldiers. When I was in the field artillery most of my NCOs would tell me the same thing, "I see how your guys (officers) get treated and I want no part of it". I later switched to intelligence. Most of my NCOs there saw becoming a warrant officer was a better route.

Speaking from the perspective of being a Maverick (enlisted to officer), I see it a bit differently. I agree that it is an honorable choice to continue to progress through the ranks to the most prestigious and influential rank of E-9 (Master Chief), but there are a number of jobs that can't be done as an enlisted person like Pilot, NFO (Naval Flight Officer), Doctor, Nurse, etc. that require the rank of O-1 and above. I think if one desires to do certain jobs or even to be able to command a ship, squadron, Intelligence Unit, etc. the jump to Officer is necessary.

CPO Gregory Smith MSgt Mike Mikulski
You are both right, Senior NCO have far more influence than Junior officers and it takes many years for the pay to reach even. Bottom line, for some it is opportunity in the officer Corps to start again and train for a different experience.
The Reserves and National Guard is the greatest beneficiary of these transfers better for the experiences and ideas, not that we always know how to take advantage of the skills and capabilities. Commissioned officers have 28 years up to O-5, I hit that MRD 2016 and will be out. I can see a significant advantage to enlisting for 4-8 years then moving to the warrant officer or officer rank.
I will be in retired reserve for 10 years prior to any retirement pay, but it will be nice to focus on one job and have weekends for the family. I have always had 2-3 weekends a month for Reserves for the last 30 years.