They're sort of PETA but for the environment. In may own case I have little sympathy for PETA -- they're fanatically wacko IMO. Greenpeace really does have science backing-up their Gaia-worship. I'm with you on the showboating tactics, especially when it involves vandalism. But they're getting away from that leaving it to ELF and EarthFirst!.

I doubt that their top tier gets a compensation that is out of line with other NGO's. I'll bet actually less because they are so deeply committed. I used to be a member but I split with them over conservation. I think wise utilization of natural resources is the proper route but they are more extreme than me. But I still like them.