I guess I just needed somebody else to confirm it for me. I did the math after posting this. I don't like the ego hit of a salary reduction, but it just makes sense it seems...
Medical bills get spendy fast, plus how miserable are you willing to be for the "bragging rights"? Do you really routinely tell folks your salary number to enhance your ego?
Those are sort-of rhetorical questions. I don't need or want answers to them. Just think on it all for your own edification.