I have to agree with the majority, wether we get it or not is a different matter. We ,despite public opinion, have as much power as the aircraft captain, long or short haul. Plus if we cock it up there's not always someone sat next to us watching,Like a first officer, also how many captains can fly more than one aircraft at a time, or even hold more than one current type rating, on different manufacturers aircraft.
Quite often in maintrol the captain of the aircraft asks for advice wether on the ground or in the air regarding maintenance problems, and base his/her decisions on my advice. Even when airbourne we have the power to ask an aircraft to return to base.
In fact I,ve just convinced myself, we are more powerful than a captain!
Let's say £50k Basic at least.