I think you're looking at this too narrowly. This, from what I understand, is just one of many tools they're using to address retention. Let's also be clear - PERS can only do so much, so they're doing what they can within the budgetary constraints that are beyond their control.
I get that this is one of many tools but this particular change would upend a longstanding benefit for aviators that I think might hurt more than it is worth in the end. Like I said before, use the bonuses as the incentive tool to shape the force and not a combo of that and flight pay. It is a relatively small amount but changing the way it is paid out could have an outsized impact, and not in a good way. It just seems tone deaf to me and not in a narrow or emotional way, which in fact PERS ought to taking into account when dealing with people. PERS can only do so much money-wise but they have other, non-monetary tools they can utilize as well.