You are absolutely right mon brave. If you look at the airline profession everyone aspires to command and beyond. Well, that puts you right into this bracket of punitive and unfair taxation (UK). As is now typical, nobody cares unless it actually affects you. The perceived wisdom is that 100k packages are 'rock star' wages but that is unfortunately not the truth. As stated by many, personally I would be okish if the tax was going to those who needs it, reflecting a compassionate society but I doubt whether that is the case. Be careful for what you wish for.