The book "German aces speak" discussed this issue. The general consensus amongst the apolitical Luftwaffe commanders was the war was over but we have a job to do. They claim to have solicited only volunteers to fly the last few months of missions but had an excellent volunteer rate as few pilots shied on their duty. Although they were typically outnumbered due to shortages in useable aircraft, fuel and ammo they had the advantage in some areas like fighting over friendly territory in close proximity to their bases. If you are overhead your own airfield you can land, rearm and repair and get back into the fight which acts as a force multiplier. On the allied side they had to be more judicious with their fuel burn and ammo because they needed to defend the bombers and make the long flight home (or at least to friendly territory). Also there are many examples of a German plane being downed, the unharmed pilot recovered then flying another sortie that day. It was a challenge but I wouldn't say it was a death wish.