CSDs/Pursers have a great deal of experience under their belts and are fully responsible for the lives of all of their passengers - all the more so with the new security regs requiring flight deck to remain behind a locked door at all times. In the event of an emergency landing followed by a fire, the flight deck bods are first out through their own exits, leaving the crew to deal with the pax. Fair enough, but then the person/persons in charge of the cabin crew members should be suitably remunerated for it!
And of course their responsibility doesn't stop just with the passengers - they are also responsible for any monies collected through the sale of on board goods; catering, etc etc.
At the end of the day, the Captain is ultimately responsible for the aircraft and all on board, so no argument he has the most responsibility and should therefore be paid the most. But should he be paid any more than someone making decisions that affect the company's financial/commercial future? I can't see that. There are plenty of jobs that carry at least as much risk and involve as much training - for far less pay.
Let me put it this way - can anyone come up with an overwhelming argument against these comments - preferrably with facts to back up their position?