I seem to remember 43,000 was capt pay back then, not new hire pay.
True and if you didn't like it you could go elsewhere.
If you were a military pilot and sent a resume to CAL in mid 80 you will be given class dates to choose from without any interview.
It is a crappy place, that never attracted good people. Never cared to. Spineless pilots don't demand much and don't mind flying up to 88 hours with regular junior manning.