G1991 many thanks for taking the time to reply and shedding some reality on how things are at the moment. Like you say, it's probably worth taking taking the 'pain' for 1 year to feel the gain long term.
I have heard that a former (before my time) colleague went to TOM 18 months ago and has grossed £104k this last year. Obviously in an FO position.
I am indeed closing in on Command in my current outfit, but I fully appreciate the fact that a command is not the be all and end all....