The problem is "everybody" is not your 28-32 year old pilot with a very young or no family at all, and minimal financial responsibilities. Most, if not all, are in their 40's, with maturing families, and have major financial responsibilities.

Just another case of pegging a salary $1 more than what the employee would walk away from the career for. Does the company recognize experience and the benefit it brings to the table, or do they view the 28 and 45 year old pilot in the same light? Cheap labor?