AA,
While I am sure that SFFP doesn't feel the need to be defended, and if he did, is more than capable of doing it himself, I would point out the following:
Simple knowledge of how the pension works, coupled with looking at the PAS pay scale for 2011, confirms that a 55 MACR, who joined at 18, who is on level 20 of the pay spine, will retire with a pension of approx. £32K, and therefore a gratuity of approx £96K......
That doesn't allow for dynamising either...!
While I don't know his current financial position, housing costs, outgoings, etc, I would be surprised if SFFP won't be comfortable in his retirement!!