Mission accomplished! In the time-honoured pprune tradition of lighting the fuse and retiring to a safe distance, debate was reignited.
Most have made reasonable and fair comments regarding the FO salary and the bond - it is pretty dire, but you could do worse than Atlantic.
Ten Dollar: Fair points- but hey, "battered heaps"!!? I can only guess that you had a few MEL issues. These old girls are doing well after almost 50 years in service.
Brainwashed? Nope, just enjoying the fun.
Cheers
WCB