Biting...I have to take issue with the dustbin person example.
You cannot just mark time as an Officer. Once you've finished flying training, got your C of C / CR and done a front line tour or few you are continuously getting better and more valuable to the Service. Realistically a lot of people then become instructors or Flt Cdrs (which they are selected for in a variety of ways) etc where they have more responsibility, are trained to an even higher standard and without any form of pay progression would be on the same money as a Lt / Flt Lt who has just been promoted but is still holding for one of their flying courses.