OK so some PFE's are lurking about:eek:
If you want to become a PFE it will have to be at a carrier other than the two mentioned earlier. Look on the pay side of this forum and you'll see some pay breakout for PFE vs SO and the airlines that use them.
Regarding a PFE vs a SO. I'm sure having a qualified AMI on board is worthy when your out in the boonies of Africa or S America. As far as doing a better job, well, it isn't that hard to move gas (around) on a 74!;)

On the DC8 an experienced PFE/SO could be an asset because there were always some glitches popping up that could be fixed if you knew which (unrelated) C/B to reset. Also there were some bizarre electrical and fuel problems which could baffle a newbie. Like me. I enjoyed my time on panel though I'm glad it was short. Flying on the DC8 was like working in a museum and I appreciated getting a taste of it.

On most of the overseas carriers, isn't an SO a cruise pilot? With the U.S. carriers the third/fourth pilot in augmented crews is still called an FO.

In today's environment it has little to do with experience and everything to do with seniority. At my carrier 4000-5000 hours with jet/Tprop and PIC time was typical for new-hire SOs. I had 12,500 hours when I was hired into the back seat. I was not a systems expert when I went on the line, but I was qualified to be there and I know that my overall flying experience was an additional plus in the cockpit.

I have tons of respect for the PFEs I work with. Many here transitioned to the front seat, some are Captains now. The higher payscale at my company evolved from previous conditions. The job of PFE/SO is the same here, PFEs aren't required to turn wrenches.

oriionfe: if you are hired at my airline you and me go through the same ground school and have the same sim requirements etc. We are equally qualified exept where the pay scale is concerned. Youve spent time to get your A&P where I have not. I have spent time to get my ATP and 6000hrs flight time (I know Im still a rookie) and you have not. So if we are being paid for our experience I should by all rights get paid more than a PFE or at the very least the same. Its not about ego at all. Me thinks you protest too much.