'Why the disparity' AnQrKa? Because you get what you NEGOTIATE!
You guys had an 80 year advantage over the folks in red (well, off-white these days) to negotiate better pay. Ok, they didn't have unions back when crossing the outback in singles was the way to go, but you get the idea. Other airlines can't suddently negotiate a 200% pay rise because they are good negotiators - it takes a long time to build to the level the legacy airline pilots enjoy.
Like it or not, many (not all) QF pilots understand they are overpaid and are fighting to protect the lifestyle they enjoy. I would too. But come on, the amount of money a SO gets to sit in the back - no wonder Joyce is fighting you. I don't agree with the way he has gone about it, or most of his strategies, but most of you need a reality check!
Don't start the crap about you get what you negotiate. Your pay rates come from an era where air travel was more exclusive and expensive, and not enjoyed by the bogans that frequent JQ these days. Since then you've negotiated slight pay increases to enjoy the salary you enjoy today.
Now, time to find the marshmellows...