As the MOD staff officer responsible for the re-write of the Airmen Aircrew pay structure in 1989 I can give you all categoric assurances that it is NOT being driven by any admin officer (there are also a fair number of GD Branch officers in MOD admin type appointments as well). This has the distinct smell of Treasury civil servants.
If there is any fault it is likely to be the one or two star GD officer at the head of the particular MOD branch who is not standing up to the Treasury 'jobs-worths'.
Write to your MP - they might be able to put some pressure on. Don't rely on the airships they have too much trouble in concentrating keeping upright without the spine.