This is all why I think the prior recognition idea makes it fair. The nature of the industry (and many others) means there is more than a good chance that you will be working above and beyond your call of duty whether there is a chance to progress onto bigger and better things in the company or not. It just means that it will pay off for you if the opportunity does arise. A company has the right to protect there assets and expenditures and in the case of new faces it is not so unfair.
Albatross,
You're right, no company would do that in a million years because it is not costing you any money. If however they were smart enough to give you "credit" for your efforts they would find overall a lot more value for their outlay in morale and continued service. I for one would be much more enclined to maintain a position in a company that recognised and rewarded you for your efforts as opposed to trying to tie you down financially.
Where are the operators? What do you think?