Father DB
You speak so many true words.
Up until recently I have had some admiration for most FOs handling the 737-800 quite well and coping with most issues good. Even with only 18 months of basic training and then bang into the RH seat at M.78!
Now lately not so much.
I can quote a friend of mine on a 10 aircraft base uttering his frustration after a particularly interesting week on: " Is there ANY competent FOs on this base!!??"
And he is not picky, but he demands that they show some interest!
I tend to agree with him, the standard is sliding rapidly and some basics are slowly eroded by FMS and iPads.
The few linetrainers that are left that I talk with are all agreeing that the standard of the entry Fo has gone down lately.
So, there is a lack of qualified , competent candidates .