I have the greatest respect for our Engineers, after all it is they amongst others who keep us pilots in a job.
However to put things in perspective I'll say this. I used to work as an engine/airframe fitter (Airframe licence only on B.707) on B.707's and B.747's. Although the work was demanding at times , it was nowhere near as demanding as operating as an F/O or Capt. particularly in shorthaul ops., but longhaul also. The 18 years I spent as a Flight Engineer on longhaul could also at times be far more demanding then anything I had encountered on the ground. However what was particularly unpleasant whilst a Ground Engineer was the fact that one was expected to work in all kinds of weather. That could make for a good degree of hardship, particularly in the winter.
Also the maintenance of one's operating licence is a much more arduous affair than I was used to as an L.A.E., 4 days in the sim and an annual route check are not things we tend to look forward to.
I am not saying that you do not deserve more remuneration for you efforts, I'm sure you do. But then don't we all believe we deserve more.
Regards
Exeng