If you don't think you get paid enough for the job you do even with X factor then do what every civvie in the world would do and get a better paid job.
TLE, you're not southside are you ? Suggest you stick to what you know about, because it seems like you know sweet FA about the RAF. It isn't about a few quid here or there, the kind of scenario quoted is not uncommon. We accept it though, what we lose one night/week/month whatever, you make up next time, swings and roundabouts, and I don't just mean cash. That has now been taken away. It's not just the odd meal missed, everything is being eroded, until in the end you ask yourself, why is it worth staying ? I am one of those who has decided to go.
S_H