the remark at the end of my post about leaving this job to go to CTC was a bit flippant - i have no intention of leaving where i am.
I did want to make the point though that the natural progression of your standard airline career has been somewhat thwarted by the money making machine on the south coast.
As you rightly said, if an airline has a decent enough selection process in terms of interview and sim check then you WILL get the right person for the job. In fact those with a few years on the line with other operators will bring good experience with them, along with the ability to pass a type rating - and this has got to minimise any financial risk to the airlines.
Anyway, rant over. The situation won't change based on what i think!!