Supposedly yes, it does make it easier to move around between specializations. Why would an WSOp (EW / Aco) want to go and become a loadie...boring...bad knees...bad back...dare I go on?? The fact that no-one has yet changed comes down more to manning (or the lack thereof) I would guess as to move out someone needs to move in and replace you. It has prolonged the initial training but should you go around again later in life you would only do the specialist phase I would imagine. And cost wise, either do the generic stuff (met, tech etc etc) in 3 locations with 3 sets of overheads or in a single location, which makes sense as being cheaper. And with regards rotary boys, surely the holds prior to Shawbury are more of a delay?