Hawkerpilot,
I don't think we're in sh.t. Is it the company or your tax situation that has made you this bitter? Because I think it's not bad at all, I am quite happy to encourage others to join (note that I WILL tell them it is NOT perfect).
Things have started to change, so there is no need to put a whole lot of pressure on management. The message has come through clear. Increasing the pressure artificially by deterring newhires will hurt us, our hardworking colleagues in the office and our management. My message to those who consider joining is this: if you'd be happy with the current package, you will like it even more in the future. As FormerFlake ackowledges, there are efforts to improve.
Erik.