You'd be surprised how much a person's true character shows when they're under pressure. Perhaps that's another reason why cadets are sent to OBS - to discover each other and learn to work with different (sometimes difficult) personalities and character.
Different people will react differently in different situations. You'll see that all the time in a multi-crew environment. But that's what training is for and that's why adherence to a standard op. procedure is vital.
Rsaf, I can't agree with you more. Stories do make it to JDK and Maroochy and they do make it to the main line as well. The powers that be have little patience with disciplinary issues.
Try not to throw a lifetime opportunity away 'cause of a coke or a cigarette. Yes it does seem a little scary, vamp. And you've got a point in saying that one incident can't be a definitive indicator of one's character. However SQ does demand a "high level of personal discipline". Some major airlines in the US won't even hire a guy who's had a speeding ticket or DUI on his record.