Dragdamper:
I think you're on to something here, but one small correction if I may. We do have a lower end year pay, but you also have to look at the cost of living. I'm not saying I like it, but I think when the 'Overseas Employment Tax Credit' dust settles, it's interesting to see who takes home more!
This is not meant as a challenge as I would sure like you're North Sea salary and living in Canada! I realise that the cost of living is about 2.5 times higher there and that just happens to be the exchange rate!
Cheers, OffshoreIgor