Actually Nigel, new entrant cabin crew are on a different contract because back in '97 BA introduced a new starter rate.
Our trade union argued against it, and consequently we went on strike.
In this day and age this mythical salary of 50k is not unusual, and living in the South East as you are probably aware is very expensive.
I personally could not give a toss what an FO earns, and I am amazed that anyone is interested in what I earn as a CSD.
I am sure that you are good at your job, and I hope that I am equally as good at mine.
IMPO this is not the place to be discussing the salary structure within BAs flying staff. So why don't we park it and move on?