Remember too that the navy only really pressed seamen. They were not kidnapping landmen onto ships. They were after skilled people. A person who had completed a voyage or two was a valuable asset, as opposed to a farmer who would be far more of a liability onboard a navy ship.
And for all the horrors described about life in the royal navy, it was often far better than life in the country. You got food. You were a member of a crew with rights and privileges. A laborer in farm country, or in a mine, was much worse off.
And for all the horrors described about life in the royal navy, it was often far better than life in the country. You got food. You were a member of a crew with rights and privileges. A laborer in farm country, or in a mine, was much worse off.