Not to get too deep, but does the "value" of a pilot always equal exactly what they negotiate? If a pilot negotiates too little, then they are undervalued and will be taken advantage of by mgmt. That undervalue will be translated into either extra cash in the CEOs pocket, or growth/expansion that wouldnt be possible if the negotiated value was exactly equal to the realised value.

On the other hand, if the pilot negotitates too much for their pay does that mean they are really worth it? Or does that mean they have mgmt in a position where the alternative is an unrecoverable financial position(bankruptcy)? Or indirectly a failure by receding market share because of increased CASM, and watching LCCs move in to take that territory once dominated by the previous carrier?

I really wished we all got paid the same for a respective equip/seat. That would make things a lot easier in regards to determining success and failure of management teams.