I aspire to offer a moment of clarity.
First, as a captain on a major European airline, one thing is absolutely clear to me. The value of a TRULY professional CSD is worth vastly more to me than my first officer.
I, like many others, am aware of the impact of our product as is perceived by our customers. It's the cabin staff, lead by an able CSD that determines the success or otherwise of our efforts here.
Personally, I have no problem whatsoever, in flying with a CSD who is paid even more than I am. It is he or she, through whom I am informed as to the true state of my cabin during an emergency, and it is through him or her, that my instructions during an emergency are carried out.
EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING!