I agree, the AF dorms are hardly worth the full amount of BAH that is withheld, and as I understood it, we supposedly had the best of the branches? The room I had was smaller than the $300 (incl. utilites) studio joints just off base. The chow hall was a decent deal, except that nobody really likes to eat at the same restaurant all the time. Yes, I ate there a bit once I got my BAS, because it was good for the price, even with the surcharge, but I do recall getting quite sick of it as an Airman, when I basically had no choice, unless I wanted to waste my BAS.
On the other hand, you did make more thank 14k as an E-4, because you really should count the tax savings from your BAH/BAS not being taxed, the value of the vacation you got over and above what you would be able to get as a civilian (about two weeks at best most places, three weeks at a few), and your savings in insurance premiums and co-pays, although you might be right to subract a little back for quality of care.
29k is clearly a bit of an over-statement, but to be fair 14k is a bit of an understatement.
I don't think I understand that part. I never received BAS or BAQ. I don't think I can count as income a nonexistent tax savings on nonexistent income?