I present a more logical idea. Pilots need full pay, since they do the real work of command and flying aircraft. Engineers, cc, ground staff and anyone who actually does the real safety work also need full pay. 
On the other hand, executives, public relations, and others who only attend meetings and sip their lattes, and who actually do "no-actual-work", should do their "no-actual-work" for no pay. 
You make a very good point there.
On the salary issue, I know a long haul BA capt that earns circa £165k, so that average may not be that wide of the mark. Depends how many are on that salary I guess.