There was once a time when privates or seamen got paid a whopping $78 a month -- when I frist joined the navy. Since then, pay rates have significantly increased, and although not in line with civilian pay rates, certainly come a little closer and when we add things like no sales tax and other benefits (medical and other allowances) ... well, you get the picture.
So at the time, it made sense to "charge by rate" because $78 didn't go far. Now, we have quite a different economic picture, and it might still be sensible to go by pay rate for the active duty folks, but once retired, it make more sense that all retired pay the same -- whether a senior discount or a retired rate, or whatever. But retired are much more liable to be retired twice than just retired military ... so, the descrepancy may be less -- regardless, once retired, it makes more sense to charge one rate. SO, Skyking could then play golf at the same rate as a retired Chief, for example -- and why not, retired have all paid the dues ...
