Schneidertrophy,
The "bigger the airplane the more it pays" idea is not unique to the ME. It is the cornerstone on which pay is determined in the US and some far east carriers.
As for the "safety" aspect of going right to left seat, it happens all the time in the US. The sacrifice made is not one of safety, rather pay, as the individual foregoes Captains pay on smaller equipment for seniority and quality of life.
I agree that the better route to go as far as professional development is the 320 as your first command.
