When times are slow, payroll is a killer. When times are busy, we are uderstaffed and the pilots get slammed. Having a lower base would make the slow times more survivable, and possibly allow another Pilot or two to be on staff for the busy times. When money is flowing, it is far easier to spread it around then when its not.
I don't think $100 is enough for people to get excited about jumping out of bed at 3am to fly, but something in between might work.