TLP
You may well be right, retention is the main issue. But when you're skint and have no money, then PAS and FRI is not the answer either! Also, for some, it wouldn't matter what you paid, they're off and that's that.
I know that if a Sqn Ldr doesn't pick up to Wg Cdr after a strong ground tour and Flt Cdr tour, then they are hard to retain. Also, the fact that your mate who is PAS and is earning up to £7k more doesn't help!
LJ