Originally Posted by
wmupilot85
Pay is simple - You're a captain, you're on captain pay. This is a deterrent for the company to not want to use you for that position (why pay all captains rates, when there are FO's), but it also gives flexibility. Also allows for more upgrades, more progression, people being able to log PIC time, and higher wages for those individuals.
Never expect what makes financial or common sense. You'll only be disappointed.
We used to fly captains in the right seat and leave FOs at home because we were fat on captains. It's what we do.