And we go 'round and 'round...
Hmmm, much the same at SQ oh so many years ago.
DECaptains required on the B707 because SQ had massive orders in hand for the B747, and they were really short of suitable Commanders.
What to do?
They advertised in Flight International, and I applied, with 500 hours Command in the B707.
Bingo.
Charlie Chan (the DFO at the time) welcomed me with open arms and wanted to know...'do you know of anyone else that might be interested?'
I supplied three names, and these folks were hired in short order.
Most stayed for the long term.
My advise...go with the flow and see what happens.
Greener pastures are always on the horizon for those so qualified...on type.
Use EY as progress to another company that might indeed offer to pay higher salaries, and have better conditions.
I.E., make your OWN luck.
As for the guys already there, who HOPE to advance to Command...best of luck, however companies often overlook suitable guys, and this ain't likely to change anytime soon.
Sorry, this may be bad news, but 'tis the facts.