I think a lot of the problems within 'modern' companies (i.e. new startups) is that the trend seems to be away from seniority lists.
I started out life with a traditional operator (Air Uk) and there you worked your way up to the required experience (in those days 4000hrs) and waited for a command assessment. The system was transparent and and fair and everyone knew where they stood.
Although I have benefited from the meritocracy at my present employer, I do feel sympathy for those who have not and yet appear to be perfectly capable of doing the job. Often they are just too quiet, based away from management or, sadly, sometimes just female.
KT