Right now the trend is this: either you leave by the end of your A2 time, or just accept life and go all the way to sm/director/partner. At least the title makes you feel better with all the hours you sacrificed in your 20's.

Salary increase in big4 is a trap. Outside commercial salary never increase hor. Ppl don't regard audit as relevant at all, the longer you stay, the less likely you can leave without accepting pay cut.