As a program director, I have encountered the attitude expressed in the OP from time to time, mostly when some complain about how much I choose to pay the officials for our 7th-8th grade rec program. ($25/game, games usually run 55 minutes as we use a running clock.)
My response has always been that I will pay what is needed to officials that will put forth a good effort, and help our league provide a positive, instructive environment.
I never have trouble locating qualified referees willing to call for us, and that is how I like it.
I use parents as volunteer clock operators, and that is enough of a train wreck some games, that I cannot imagine the ice cream pain-like sensations that would fill my brain if I had volunteer officials.
