Ralph,
Its not a rugby team trying to win a world cup!
Its not a company tring to find a captain of industry to lead them out of dire straits1
And it certainly isn't "Top Gun" where only the best of the best need apply.
Its Fair to most, and it doen't require your qualifying arguments regarding;
1. Rostering abuse
2. What should be cosidered significant previous experience
3. Reasons for leaving a previous job
If you need to explain it to us, the union will need to battle it out with management. Unfortunately, you cannot assume reasoned debate in such circumstances.
For the record I am at the bottom of such a list with many moons to go until my number is up.
Willie