If you think that ex-flyers (not of any airline necessarily) deserve a job based solely on their experience then ask yourself who might have the bigger one... Chip that is!
For better or for worse (we could argue all day!) there's a big cultural shift happening in airlines throughout the world. Whilst experience is definately an asset and an advantage you just can't preech it anymore. Times are changing.
I will 2nd that motion... As stated earlier, I have interacted with some people (not only in aviation by the way) who are 10 years my senior in both age and experience, but still 100% incompetent. I
strongly believe that age+experience does not neccesarily = competence.
Something to think about?? That said though, I am not belittling the value of age or experience, but ultimately it comes down to a person-to-person analysis I guess!