It sounds like as long as it is good for you, the individual, then the collective is ok. If however it limits you, you are willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Sorry, you can't have it both ways.

I had the displeasure to fly with a united fleet qual many years back. He made the comment, trying to justify crossing the picket line, that if the company wants to pay you to do something, you have to do it. Hence, the individual. What we are trying to accomplish in this contract is far greater than what any pilot can accomplish individually.

If you want to be an individual and name your own price, try applying for a management position. You appear overly qualified.