What’s wrong with calling it what it is? It’s demanding and challenging work. Why wouldn’t you want the Pilot (with a capital) being paid extremely well.
It reminds me of corporate jet owners who happily drop 60 mil on a machine yet push for cheaper Pilots?
In both cases if I was down the back either on life support or drinking the best 18 YO I would like to know I had the best I could get up the front..........