F/O Bloggs, I do understand the point you are making. That is, irrespective, there is more money in the pocket.
However, that is simply a result of the tax free environment. Naturally as an end user (recipient) we tend to care only about the nett worth, but we still cannot escape the gross cost to our company. I do not deny the right of those who would take up employment on the best possible nett terms to themselves.
All I am suggesting is the looming shortage of pilots is not yet influencing the employers to offer sufficient nett remuneration to attract the experience levels that they are demanding, in numbers sufficient to meet the demands of the expanding operations they seek to crew.
The end result is my overall impression from the EK seminar was, we want you to apply, but don't be surprised if you do not meet our stringent requirements.