I think the point was being made that cabin crew's job is an airborne one -as such, it is a bit false to only quote the basic. Obviously if cabin crew never took a flight in their life, they shouldn't get paid, and if they phone in sick, then they are not going to be paid for being away from base, because they are not away from base.

I think as long as we are comparing like-for-like we are ok -i.e being quoted virgin basic vs BA all in etc.