I think you’re overestimating how high EA-org-salary spending is compared to (remaining) total EA funding per year (in the neighborhood of 10%?)
That’s notable, but it doesn’t change the conclusion. Either cuts come out of that 10% or they don’t, and if they do then the rationale is still very strong for lowering salaries instead of exclusively cutting staff.
I think you’re overestimating how high EA-org-salary spending is compared to (remaining) total EA funding per year (in the neighborhood of 10%?)
That’s notable, but it doesn’t change the conclusion. Either cuts come out of that 10% or they don’t, and if they do then the rationale is still very strong for lowering salaries instead of exclusively cutting staff.