The real issue here Luke is value for money when analyzing labour costs.
JQ and QF pilots perform identical duties but at a vastly different cost. Do you believe that JQ pilots are less proficient, less professional, less experienced and more scruffy looking? I grant the average operatioal experience level would be higher at QF but not the quantum gap you imagine. There are many old hands on deck at JQ.
What demonstrable hard data do you have to prove your extra value as a QF pilot? What data does Allan Joyce access? I would like to compare the FOQA data for the entire group. Ask your chief pilot for a copy for the last quarter?
When it comes to cabin service there can be no argument. Asian cabin crew work harder without 'attitude', smile more, weigh much less, look better in a dress and cost only a fraction.
I agree you are not living the dream Luke, you are living in a dream, and Mr Joyce is about to wake you up.