Well, one can pay out using bonuses, distributions and any number of other instruments. I didn't dispute that the job opportunity had to be posted prominently

Well, one can pay out using bonuses, distributions and any number of other instruments. I didn't dispute that the job opportunity had to be posted prominently in the workplace with details exactly as stated in the H1 application. LCA re-applications / H1 amendments are not required unless the location, the position or the nature of the job change significantly. Pay cuts are simply not allowed without informing the government. Actual base pay >= prevailing wage? Perhaps my using them interchangeably isn't right. However, given a reasonable chance of approval, I would not apply for an H1 auth promising anything above the prevailing wage. My tax returns / pay stubs are included in H1 extensions, intermediate steps to a green card and in visa applications. They are well aware of the pay raises. IANAL and I can check with our lawyer again but this was our company's legal advice. If you are a lawyer or know one, this may be a difference of opinion.