I think the bigger problem with FRIs now is that it comes out of the money devolved to the Single Service. Previously the sS applied to the Treasury/MoD for extra money, now they have to fund it out of their own pot. So, the question for CAS is, what you are going to sacrifice to afford the FRI? The type of money people have been mooting on here are about equivalent to 2 or 3 Junior Ranks' annual salary (at least). Are you prepared to stand up to The Sun (or Defence Select Committee) and say you're worth that?
I/we don't need to stand up to anyone and TELL them anything it is simple economics old bean. If it costs, for arguments sake, circa 5 Million quid to train a FJ bloke (not equip him/her with several tours of experience but just train), then surely 80 grand is a drop in the ocean to keep that experience for a bit longer. I doubt it will stop the sensationalist headlines sadly.