757 manipulator
From my seat at the front of the 738 I see a lot of FO's and not all are suitable for command this may be because of lack of hours or other reasons, I also see a number of FO's who when they get the hours will make captain.
It is the ones who are always telling you that they should be a captain that are the ones who are the I doubt are suitable!
So if the company is short of suitable the only option is DEC's.
I would guess that you have not talked face to face with the pilot managenent, you will find them a lot more approachable than you seem to think, insted I think that you are listening to a few of the wise guys who can see a good practical joke at your expence.