Shortly,
You obviously don't talk to many freighter crews. All but 2 of the Aussie Classic Captains are so "happy" they have requested a transfer to the pax fleet as FOs. The Brits are starting to look at their options as well.
Since when did anyone get a pay rise because they "deserve" it. If that were true teachers and nurses would be the most highly paid people on the planet. They are not, and nor will freighter pay change dramatically come the New Year.