Hi Cunning
Normally pretty much agree with your posts but will disagree a bit this time (admittedly based on pretty big IFFFFSSSSS!)
I stick to my previously stated beliefs that
VB have dug a hole regarding their lack of training (50% failure of command upgrades is not anything to be proud of IMHO) however that was a few months ago and may have given the Flight Department the kick up the arse they obviously needed to spend less time at the Brekky and more time running an (allegedly) professional airline.
I still shudder at the thought that any sane individual could believe that (regarding the jungle jets) putting brand new captains with brand new GA F/O's in a brand new aircraft with the lack of background and minimisation of training that is now the recognised
VB hallmark and standard is doing anything but invite disaster - but each to his own.
However IF IF IF things improve regarding training to the point where they can successfully introduce the jj's and the 777 (or else "get away with it", two similar but very different animals) then there should be a fair amount of movement in the near future (next 5 years??)
As such I see the POTENTIAL for substantial movement in
VB wheras far less so for pornstar.
Of course the question of DEC's to get
VB "over the hump" (at whatever cost) is very valid - but maybe best saved for another time and forum!
And the question of how the
VB "training" is viewed by operators around the world and the prospects for
VB captains who have no experience other than
VB?? - maybe also another time and forum!
However agree 100% - the big bucks are for the Captains, F/O time is relatively useless; whilst things could change Captaincy is still well and truely King!