Let me tell you, no matter how miserable your salary in academia in Germany is - it is more miserable in the UK (higher living costs at slightly lower salary, which is around 1250 GBP for most students). I actually know Germans from top UK universities that are considering going back to Germany after they finish. So, same problem here, after Brexit: UK needs people to come and move things forwards, but the place is rotten enough that it doesn't happen.
This is not about "the grass is greener on the other side", it's more about: The only place in research you really can make $$$ seems to be the US and, maybe, Switzerland.
Incorrect. Some get a stipend, but some are also hired as part-time research assistants, on a salary that is equivalent to a stipend after deducting a few meagre pounds as tax. It depends on who provides funding (a research council, your supervisor from his grant etc).
This is not about "the grass is greener on the other side", it's more about: The only place in research you really can make $$$ seems to be the US and, maybe, Switzerland.
Or does anyone know any other country?