WulthusAmata LireinI also think that (at least most) pilots who spent most of their time alone on their ship are rarely the type who are interested in a long-term relationship, at least while they are still "out there", so they are most likely looking for short-term on-and-off-affairs or the even more cliché FWB - "Friends With Befits". But that's just my take on the kind of person who'd be crazy enough to become an independent pilot, YMMV.
I don't know... I know few RL pilots personally, seamen too. Most of them do look for long term relationships. It's the other way around, actually. People who spent days and months in isolation will eventually start longing for meaningful relationships/human contacts.
Also, soldiers. Similar situation, I think.
IMO there's one mayor difference though: The group of people you mentioned usually have a homebase they return to when not being deployed. Pilots in ED on the other hand usually live on their ships.