Jumbo2. I have to agree that the seniority system is about the only one which works. Start at the bottom and work your way up. You earn the opportunity for a seat change or command but you still have to prove you are capable.
What I disagree with is how seniority is used to such a extent that it so negatively affects the day to day lives of a good 20% of any status. Yes there should be a gradient but that gradient is very steep. We have a problem getting people to take commands because of it.
There are simple solutions which could resolve this but the top rules and there is no appetite to do anything.
Some of us would love to “start at the bottom and work our way up” the reality is we stay at the bottom forever unless we give up our command. That is not a fair system at all.