No Magnum, it is not that glory you paint. Ok, they are respected, but not treated as you think. I lived there and served as an elder in Brooklyn Heights congregation with several GB members. At least with the Barrs I had a good contact, fine people I must say.
I even would say they get less "tips" than the average CO, most wouldnt even think about giving them Some lousy dollars.
I am just not getting it, that obsession with € or$ and the GB on this board.
Something else: That obsession with the GB is a typical US thing. You ask the average European, African or South-american...who are on the GB, bet they could not give you more than one name. It Is just " the society".