It's definitely an interesting development, a step forward.
It only dawned on me yesterday why not everyone was offered MEOS automatically in what is supposed to be a retention positive Force. It has been used as a further filter/ boarding process for some, whilst many were just placed on it carte blanche. Possibly dirty tricks, possibly an effort to maintain a two tier system. If you are not a rejoiner/ late starter, and have not been offered it, then it's quite likely you need to consider why.
In the grand scheme of things, if I get my choice (05) then whatever retention leverage they have attempted, that I never knew about, has failed.
If you are fed straw, then you will fight as a donkey.