I too am a subscriber to the "grass is greener" philosophy. I firmly believe that there is a strong "negativity vortex" (as I like to call it) which exists in the RAAF, and it is stronger in some parts of the organisation than others.
I strongly believe that it is very important to force yourself to step back and look at how good you have it and try and distance yourself from the negative sentiment that seems to perpetuate itself.
Some are incapable of doing this and I can relate to them because I went through a phase like this at one stage in my career.
On the subject of pay, I dont have a lot of time to listen to people complaining about a six figure salary quite frankly. In a our profession where you can reach the top of your game in about 6 years (I am talking about qual not rank) I think a six figure salary is quite reasonable.
(Now ducking as the angry negativity spears come my way)