Not sure what the problem is - people with high compensation can also discuss how much they're making and talk about their career moves. None of it comes across as entitlement.
Also didn't get why any of it would be sad to you or why you're implying that they're not real engineers by putting quotes around the word engineers.
Like, to be an official medical Doctor you have to graduate from an accredited program, do specific training and internships, pass the boards, etc. Likewise with Lawyers you have to come out of certified law schools, pass the bar, do articling, etc. Same deal with Engineers.
Otherwise the term starts to lose meaning, such as someone being a Sanitation Engineer (Janitor) or Food Service Engineer.
Agreed. Plus the only way for folks on the low levels to know what they're missing out on is if the folks on the upper levels make it clear.
I really think that this says more about you than about the people who post there. And again, you're using the word upset but nothing in the original post indicates that anyone there is upset - it's just natural for people to look to improve their situation regardless of their current level.