You need to calculate total comp of which base salary is a multiplier to your bonus. The difference between total comp in a year of successful, highly successful, and exceptional is pretty significant. Exceptional gets more than 60% over a successful total comp. And it's cash, not long-term stock, like other "big paying" companies.
You still might say it's not worth the effort, but that's your choice and one that most people in life tend to make. Average work for average responsibility with below average chance of advancement and thus overall average pay. You'll probably have more time for family and hobbies and, as you said, do some "day trading" while the top performers work to the top of their ability.
I don't want to make it sounds like I'm making fun of you, because I'm not. You realized that responsibility required to be a high performer is a lot of work (it is), and not worth the extra pay. Most people would agree with you and go on to live happy and healthy lives while still gainfully employed. Just don't get mad that the ambitious and crazy 20% of high performers are going to do whatever it takes to be the best and get the best rewards. That's their choice, just as much as it's yours to not do that. Not everyone is built for that life, just don't expect the workload/reward ratio to change anywhere you go!