gscottar, here is my take on the inconsistency point you raise.
On MLB player salaries. This is a matter of preference. We all know that every MLB owner could spend as much as they wish – but most choose not to. The amount of money involved can be fairly considerable. All the social media complaining is not going to alter this situation. Many agree the best way to effect change is for unhappy fans to stop spending on the teams.
On minor league player salaries. There is at least one class action lawsuit moving ahead in federal court alleging these players are paid unfairly low. MLB has used congressional means to avoid paying players a fair wage like all other industries in our country are required by law. The actual money needed to fix this properly is relatively small.
Now, MLB is trying to take minor league baseball away from 42 cities to pay for salary increases that they should provide no matter what. Fan pressure here could actually result in change. Congress and municipalities are getting organized and passing resolutions. Where it goes from here is TBD, but there seems more fight ahead.
Wanting your MLB team to spend more money only has one motivation – for “my” team to have a perceived better chance to win more games. The MLB players certainly don’t need any more money. Good for them if they can get more. They have collective bargaining that ensures they are treated fairly.
That is very different from wanting all minor league players from all 30 organizations to make a fair wage. They have no collective bargaining. They are treated unfairly with no one to protect their rights.
I don’t think the MLB and MiLB situations should be confused. The only similarity, IMO, is that MLB owners could address neither, one, or both if they so choose. I think they could be pressured into increasing minor league pay without eliminating teams – and I think they should.