I don't think Bell ever had DB.  My mother bought the maximum amount of employer matched stock (essentially 2 for 1) throughout her career, and as it vested, diversified her portfolio.  Even though she was only a middle manager, she retired very comfortably indeed.  Her partner was a lifelong civil servant, and while his DB pension was adequate, his income in retirement was nowhere near hers.

CPP/OAS only isn't an enviable place, I agree.  But for my DB plan, I have no choice on my contribution rate (which is high), no say in how it is invested, and no say in how the money is paid when I retire.  I am thankful for the plan -- and especially so for the med/dental insurance -- but I think I could have done as well on my own. 

Your point about juicing is well taken.  I am not in that situation -- got to where I wanted to be early in my career -- but I see it quite often, and it seems unjust in that the return is higher than it really should be.