I can hardly believe I am reading this! A meal allowance, whether taxed or not, in lieu of 'adequate sustenance' will never work with some pilots. Some that I have flown with (over many years in this game) have been so tight that they would NEVER buy their own food when away on a trip. If the airline hadn't thrown them a few scraps I am sure that they would have gone into a coma rather than spend their own money.
Surely the operator should have an obligation to provide at least snacks every four hours or so? Even my dog refuses to do guard duty (i.e. goes back to sleep) if I don't feed her.
Where does BALPA, the UK CAA and the other Euro authorities stand on this? Maybe the Swiss do stand up for themselves while the rest of you are just rolling over on what should be fought on safety grounds, not financial.