Realistically though, because all VS Pilots would pay tax at 40% nominally, the pension contributions are good way of getting that Tax relief.
All contributions are before tax, so the contributions you actually make seem far smaller(in terms of the amount deducted) than they would be if they were after tax.
Most people pay their 6% or more. I have NEVER met a VS pilot who is not in the pension one way or another.
I pay 10%, VS pay 15%. I am a year 2 FO and take home £3500 on average. Not a vast sum, granted, but it's enough because it is not hard work.