But upgrade to command is something of a side issue - it's main iniquity is the way seniority distorts free movement of labour between companies, favouring those who have stayed at just one company over those who have had to change companies, and for no better reason than that.
Negative! You are free to apply and join any seniority list you like, if that suits your lifestyle. But expect to join at the bottom. There are many of us that have waited for our time for a command slot, long haul, part time, whatever seniority is used for... If you can't take the salary cut or demotion that's a burden you have to carry. Choose your career path wisely.I admit, some fall short on luck for whatever reason, life circumstances, timing in the pilot market, bankruptcies. Still, it would be grossly unfair to undercut those who've waited their time. In my outfit there are 20+ year FO's.