I am not a pilot. I no longer work. But:
"Now before people start slagging me/us off for earning too much anyway let me explain that I am now - after 4 years with BA - just about taking home what I did as a 3 year FO with the 'tourists' in 1997"
i) Did you know the rules when you applied?
ii) If so, why did you apply?
It's a free country, and anyone can apply for any job they are qualified for. So what is the problem?
Most people aren't pilots, and most people earn less than those who are pilots. I have no problem with that, but will the pilots who leave one job for another, and then don't like it when they get there, please look elsewhere for sympathy?