(I didn't read the rest - too long!)
At the grass roots level the conceptual argument is that all the players are paying to play, and buy lots of their own kit, why shouldn't the referee, really.
At a kids clb game all the first aiders, coaches, team managers etc are voluntering their time to give the kids a game of rugby. why should the referee alone be paid.
Of course at the pro level, or at a top tier private schools it's the other way round, why should the ref be the only person NOT being paid.
and there's a difficult middle ground.
I understand your pov crossref, id offer the view that the ref has to travel to all of his games, usually on his own, will train on his own learn laws on his own and if hes lucky will only be hated by one team at the end of a match.
Its a bit of a lonely life for a ref, the players ,managers (many of whom are paid now) first aiders volunteers are part of a big club and can celebrate victory or lick their wounds together, refs dont have that high or elation in their game (a sense of satisfaction in having had a good game maybe) but no high fives and rounds of drinks at the bar when you win a big game.
Its a hard road in the middle of a wet and freezing winter game when the game is a poor one and the players wont listen and the cards come out, its not your fault but both teams hate you and its a two hour journey home in damp clothes because they forgot to turn on your shower and your not in the mood to take more comments in the bar, so you travel home hungry.
Its not always that gloomy :biggrin:, but it can be a lonely road, as i said earlier im not looking to be paid per match, but a decent milage rate, some properly fitting gear, a hot shower and a cuppa and a sandwich after every game isnt alot to ask for.