Cornflake, please don't despair! (I've never been called an 'ilk' before!)
I accept that my view is partial (rather than impartial) I hope you will accept, your view is too. Such is the nature of this 'tribal' business.
I think that you have just conceded, that the very few mainline secondees bidding back to mainline, are not doing so, because it is too 'risky' to be part of the 'so-called future' (of BACX?)
Which WAS your original contention.
As far as the possible 'retirement' issue is concerned, again I'm not convinced this is a major factor in people's current decision making (though perhaps it should be)
To my limited knowledge, of the handful of people returning to mainline, 2 are taking longhual commands, and at least 2 are moving to the airbus, almost entirely for domestic reasons.
So I don't see how these people are in any way relevant to a thread entitled; "Mass exodus at BACX"
You also suggest that it is not 'unusual for a company like BA' to allow a progression from a wholly owned subsidiary, to its mainline operation.
This is an implication that I have heard before, and I think it is important to examine it. All I can say is if you could give a few examples of the companies who do this, and how their system works, it may well strengthen your case.
At the end of the day, if BA can't recruit the numbers of pilots it needs, it will be forced to consider ALL solutions.
Finally, I am at BACX (as a secondee) because I enjoy working with people, probably similar to yourself, from a small base, in the North of England.
I haven't really come across an overwhelming desire to abandon the company, though of course people are excited by the possibility, now emerging, of moving on to new equipment with new employers.
I have personally witnessed this situation (including claims of 'mass exodii') on at least 2 of the previous cyclical upturns.
Take it from me, the mass exodus only occurs when the company ceases trading. Not before.
Because companies become forced to pay the going rate to retain pilots with marketable experience.
As I said, enjoy the ride over the next couple of years, because as you know, what goes up, must come down.
Take care.