Military selects and trains to a much higher standard.

That is my point- the fact that a pilot has few hours doesnt necessarily indicate ability or inabilty to do a job. Flying an RJ is not as difficult as war fighting so naturally the training is less intense, but the concept still applies.

"the FO only really needs to be able to fly the plane and thats what the training teaches"

I expect more than that out of an F/O. Once you get in the left seat, you'll see what I mean....[/quote]

My feeling is that if as an FO I am expected to be able to perform all the Captain's duties and make "Captain"-type decisions as if he/she wasn't there then I want Captain pay.

Im pretty sure in your FM theres a part that states the Captains duties and responsibilities and those of the FO. In mine it says that the FOs job is "to assist the Captain..." not be the Captain. That happens over time. Yes it's the FOs responsibilty to develop into a Captain, but thats different than showing up to training ready to sit left seat.