Dick, with your numbers it would cost only 5.1% even if they got the 300% increase. With the amount of headway this group accomplished in only ONE YEAR, it sounds like a BARGAIN to all parties involved. I believe that Tim was the only one on the payroll for this last year, so an increase would probably provide some compensation for Frank and Richard for all of their great work.
As for any Friends conspiricy, well, that is news to me and anyone I have talked to, (and I talk to LOTS of Friends members, including leadership). At all of the work sessions this last summer, (I was at three), there was a line drawn between the management Co. and our group. I am sure this was done to remind everyone that Tim and Co. were wearing a different hat, and we needed to remember that they were railroad management, and not Friends members. I know that some people out there won't want to believe this, but that doesn't change the facts.