I think dispatch in this country is on the decline and in some locations the staff are making their positions redundent.
With active boarding and 25 minute turns, standard loading and direct comms flight deck to fueller, what is left for the dispatcher to do?
Airlines are trying to cut costs and unless the dispatcher drives the trurn and makes a difference then they are an expensive paper carrier.
There are exceptions with airlines such as LH / SK / AF and some long haul carriers where full weight and balance licences are required and you need to be certified to just 'ramp' the flight. This is due to cargo and special loading, baggage seperation, fuel calculations. In these circumstances then 20K is right.
As for the others, I really doubt the future and unless something is done, and not just by companies, but individual attitudes aswell, my feeling is that they will be a memory sooner rather than later.
Sad, as dispatch is a great job and a fantastic spring board to a good career in the industry. The AOC at MAN is like the rest room at GHI 15 years ago!
Cheers