The international squad money and appearance bonuses etc when added to their regional money is what really bounces up their earning power.

A huge amount of money swilling around in the system is generated by international fixtures such as the AI's and 6N's. These are what truly generate momentum and interest in the game, and this in turn helps non international fixtures.

We are no where near a situation where international rugby is viewed as an aviodable extra to a pro rugby players life. The reason to represent your country is highly rewarding both financially and in terms of personal goals and achievment.

Nonsense.
James Hook is key to Wales backline. Not only our most talented and creative player, but capable of covering 10, 12, 13 and 15 at international level.
And probably 9, 11 and 14 too in a pinch. A coach's dream.
You honestly think the Wales set up would be ambivalent if they lost Hook?

the fact that he is a player used to cover positions and that he aint first name down on the teamsheet for those positions should tell you something

gatland is doing to hook what lyn jones did to gavin henson

I think you'll find Gatland has said that Hook will be in the side, as he is too valuable to leave out BS

He's going to be crucial at 12 for both Wales and O's for the next year at least!

The point you're missing is that he is certainly one of the first names down on the team sheet, whether they know what position he'll be playing or not.
If Hook is fit he starts for Wales. Fact.
Utility players start on the bench.

I will accept the vague half point that you're making ie: that he is a victim of his own versatility, and his development might be simpler if he played one position all the time.

But your suggestion that he is undervalued by the coaches and that they wouldn't be bothered if he wasn't available is ridiculous and is going to get treated as such.

Delve? He turned down a chance to go to the blues and to fight for an international place, and opted for the easy life on the other side of the world.

haymans would be my pick of players to use as an example