I've never understood the whole ETMs joining as a Lt thing. E(IS) I can just about understand (there is a dire need for a computer-based RN to have a dedicated deployable IT branch), but why should glorified schoolteachers be paid tens of thousands more that their WE/ME/X colleagues in the first few years of their career (ie during training, before their first job)?
And whereas all the other branches have earnt the right to not have distinction cloth between the gold, why on earth have schoolies not got the traditional blue cloth? Like dentists, doctors and other occasional seagoers, ETMs are rarely at sea (although, like them, they do a good job when they do eventually set sail), have a useful job in shore bases, and have limited contact with small ships (ie FF/DDs and below).
Time for a new campaign - "Bring Back the Blue" for schoolies. And give them a pay cut as well.