I stayed in for 29 years because I enjoyed it. Job satisfaction was everything and family quality of life was superb.
Financial bonus retention incentives are a short sighted answer to a problem that exists now. For many years more money was on offer for jobs in civvy street and that will always be the case. However, most stayed in because they enjoyed the life associated with the RAF. If you have to beg somebody to stay in by paying them a retention bonus then something has sadly gone very wrong.
It is good to actually see someone telling the truth for once. As for your last sentence, whilst I agree that things are not right, many civillian firms pay incentives to keep employees on their books so isn't this just the same thng? Would you turn the money down?