N_N
There will always be some people who aren't really suited to airline flying whether they be from an instructing, RAF or integrated course background. People from different backgrounds tend to categorise people from other backgrounds and hence the sterotypes begin. Doesn't mean to say that everyone from that background fits the shoe, just that a minority do and they make the best targets. For example BA has a reputation for pilots who think they are next to God in the big scheme of things, the truth is that the vast majority of them are decent people but you only seem to meet the godlike ones.
You assert that "lots of instructors.... are pedantics who have no sight of the big picture", this is fairly broad in the stroke that it paints yet in your subsequent reply you say that only "some are know-alls....". Does this mean you may have been a little bit over-melodramatic initially? Why did you single out ex-instructors for criticism when, as a trainer, presumably you teach all backgrounds and abilities to fly aeroplanes, all of whom will have their own style when they initially come to you.
Yes this thread was started by someone questioning the ability and flying skills of an integrated cadet (who did do something a bit daft) and then going on to ask whether this was typical of the integrated product. There was no slagging off of said person just a question over their ability. When you check someone out on a light aircraft you build up a big picture of what their flying is like throughout the checkout, if they are not safe to go on their own in your opinion you don't sign them off. This is much the same as releasing a new type rated FO to the line, if you don't think they can do it if the skipper keels over you don't let them go.
Your point of order is accepted, it seems your BACX collegues don't agree though.
Now if you can't debate sensibly I suggest this is why many FI's fail large airline selection
