My point was not so much a statement of dissatisfaction at his salary level. I'd have gladly traded UPS CEO Mike Eskew (at his lower salary) for FedEx CEO Fred S (at his higher salary). Heck, I'd have sweetened the pot even more to get Fred.
I guess my statement was really just a venting of my frustration about the fact that at many of the decisions he made (hold half of stock award in 5 year escrow, change the method of quantifying the MIP award, etc..) only served to completely neuter the concept of a partnership that was so sacred to the company I once knew.
That being said, you're exactly right in saying that Davis and Eskew are just as affected by these decisions as we are. I just wish we would decide whether we want to be the old company (partnership, modestly paid executives that are promoted from within, and a TRUE sense of ownership/partnership for all in management) or whether we want to be more like the typical Fortune 500 company (CEO's who are true leaders - who know how to motivate employees, expectations of higher ROI, and a boot out the door for the CEO when expectations are not met). It seems we are stuck somewhere in the middle, with no end in sight. I don't know about you, but I'm not happy that the value of my stock is that same as it was on the opening day of the UPS IPO, years and years ago.