"Points deducted for age?
Sounds discriminatory to me. Dangerous territory."
Thats why no one will ever know exactly how the system works. Only Big M little organ will ever know that process.
Nepotism certainly is not alive and well. The whole interview process was designed to prevent the old crustys getting there mates mistresses bast*d son from getting in.
I know of two MC FO's who have a start and one that has an interview in May.
Good luck, and if your on the 400 see you in Wan Chai.