Years ago the time to command was who got to 6000 hours first, 9/11 happened and the time went up to 7ish years. The recession hit and that went up to about 12 years where I think it will level off and drop a little with retirements.
The guys who have left, did so to get earlier commands or in he case of BA, job security, however, wait 15/17 years for a long haul command.
Gents, it's dealers choice. I for one do not want to live in the sandpit or eat a lot of Chinese food. Is Virgin a good option? Who knows, but for many it is a good life style with the normal disagreements with management - and still a relatively short time to long haul command.
Will it still be going in 25 years time? Again who knows, but I hope so for the industries sake.