Absolutely. In that example, the two would likely only be one number apart anyway, with the "junior" one getting an extra 6 months at the top of the scale in a senior plane etc. Likewise, there could be a 20 year age difference in a class. Nothing wrong whatsoever with letting the older pilot get a few numbers since s/he would have to punch out decades sooner. It really is the fairest way to do it, young buck mini windfall notwithstanding.