So, Badairsucker, let me see if I understood you correctly. You're suggesting that airlines such as United, BA, Lufthansa, Qantas, etc, put a low time pilot straight into the RHS of a B777, A330 or B744 and then give him a command a few years later. Sorry, but I don't think so.
As I tried to point out, I think a lot (but not all) of the problem stems from pilots doing their command on a regional fleet with little or no experience at that type of flying, and unfortunately the training system has taken a long time to adapt to that problem. Most of the pilots that do have experience as FOs on the regional fleets generally do quite well on command course. Believe me, those on the regional fleets face more threats, problems, etc in a week than the long haul guys do in a year - that in itself is very good training for command.
As far as the QL goes, I understand there were a few problems with some of the low-time JFOs a few years back. I believe the decision was made to check all JFOs (regardless of experience) to line, but with additional limits (x-wind, visibility, etc) while they gained experience flying on the line. After six months they would then be QL'd, and if successful upgraded to FO.