CF
no offence taken, I see your frustration with the situation, it's always been a job that attracts ex-mil, just in more plentiful times there were more jobs around to fill. To some extent the employers have to go down the road of advertising the position even if there is already a list of people waiting on the old boys network.
As for the remuneration, it is what it is because it's dictated by supply and demand. At present and in the next 3-5 years almost no demand in police aviation and plenty of supply from the military.
I have no axe to grind, just an insiders insight into the reality of this 'industry'.