I think rickair7777 hit the nail on the head.

This thread began by asking for "realistic" ideas for pay. I think the military base pay idea is realistic and easy for people to wrap their heads around. It's fair.

I also think that rickair7777 gets at what the heart of our argument should be- It's not only about what's fair, it's about what's safe. Nobody outside this thread probably cares too much about what is "fair" for us, but they do care about what is safe for them. Pilots who are well rested and not stressing about where their next meal is coming from, or where they'll sleep that night, or if they'll get on a flight to make it to work, are safer pilots. Positive space flights to work, etc. are also exellent ideas.