Galaxy, you can't start negotiations with that kind of mentality. It might seem far fetched to be able to get such a pay scale but if presented to the company in a logical manner they might go for it. On the other hand if this sort of pay scale is the most important for the pilot group over anything else, then the union will make sure to make it a priority and will hold out on signing new contract until they get it.
The point you are making is valid, but your examples are purely economics, investing in a new hire is expensive, hence the lower pay and all for first year, and it's a time to see if their new hire fits the mold, or is able to pass training.
I am a believer that the company should pay for hotel for their new hires, I don't think the senior people are out to get the new hires but sometimes the company finds very clever ways to get around the contract as we a all know.