Jrudge
There’s a massive thread about seniority on Terms and Endearments which pretty much covers all aspects of this subject. Seniority is a pisser if you’ve just lost your LHS job. Seniority is a transparent system which protects career advancement for loyal FOs coming up to command. It all depends on which side of the fence you’re sitting at the time.
I’m sure that TCX skippers will readily find employment, but possibly not in the seat of their choice.
I think that long serving (loyal) pilots in either seat may take exception to the implications of your comment ‘.......detriment of ability.’!