Mid 70's
Soup Nazi,
If you did pursue QLink for employment, I believe FO's who did a a fair chunk of overtime will be on around mid 60's? Please someone let me know if this isn't true anyone.
Do you work to the duty limit in your current job? When you say it's a lifestyle thing I assume you mean you don't slave your guts out and get mid 70's? I can see how having it cushy and getting that beats working your knackers off for 10k less but wouldn't QLink be a more secure option job security wise? I'm also assuming that you live in an area where cost of living isn't ridiculous?
I think that QL aren't going to play with DEC's and wage increases because as soon as one lot get more everyone want's more and it just snowballs. QL aren't in trouble yet and it will be a while before they are so I wouldn't hold my breath for things to change.
Lastly on the recognition of experience, corporate managers don't know what it is and aren't willing to learn.