actually i think the price of fuel has risen more than any other, and it went from 2.50 to 3.50 a gallon in the last year, not even a 50% rise, not quite 200%. I don't expect many service sector jobs compensation (in the USA or most of the world) increased even in the double digits. and if they did the Government and banks would be raising the interest rates so high no one could afford anything, "to control inflation".
I agree about "my employer treats me fair so I don't complain" (me too) and wages are not about how much stuff costs, they are about; "how much $ can my employer get someone else to do this job for", in other words; "supply and demand".
I also agree about "follow the money", and if you do, you may find far more disturbing wastes of (?our?) cash than spending it on luxuriousness and construction. at least there, someone got something in return for the money we spent/sent.

and to roadrat; doesn't true "merit" raise require management that really and truly knows what they are doing, and not just deciding "merit" on basis of who they like or who has successfully manipulated the correct computer numbers for the short term? what % of management in this industry do you think really has that clue, and how long will they stay in that job?