BB,
6.5 yrs time to command at Monarch does not really give the full picture.
Some of last years temp captains, currently awaiting upgrade, are in their ninth year. 6 - 8 yrs is a more realistic figure.
The new scale c pilots (after lengthly negotiation involving BALPA, the company and an independent arbitration service) now have the opportunity to transfer onto the old payscale after 5yrs service. They will not be able to progress beyond pay point 10 under the current new agreement.