Actually, I would ... I didn't give a snuff about the pay scale when I applied (still don't, really, as long as it'll keep me in beer). I knew I wanted to fly for HMFC and that's all that matters -- and as I understand life you need a fairly high level of determination to get through the flying training mangle.
Agreed - to my total amazement I was paid at BRNC - OK all of £106/mth (in 1978) after deductions (but beer was 33p/pint). Imagine my total stunned shock when after 12 months seniority, trg rate flying pay, and Mrs T winning the 79 election (she instituted the 35% we were due in one hit), my gross went from £2,600 to £4,500 overnight.
At the same time the Portuguese Navy was so badly paid that most of them worked 0700-1400, and then went to their second civvy job in the pm.