jimmyg, you come from a company where the SOPs are still very concentrated around the commander.
Newest SOPs are different. The PF is always doing *everything*, and as long as the FO is doing everything in an acceptable manner, the CMD will not interfere. AI (Airbus Industries) has so far implemented the most complete SOPs in this way. So if you are becoming to be trained according AI SOPs, the FO does everything.
Your confusion about checklists on ground may come from the fact that in older SOPs, only the CMD started engines, taxied and took off. This is no longer the case.
You will be surprised how well it works (if your CMDs cooperate). CRM is on a much higher level, your hours on the right seat are a real training for your upgrading. Enjoy it!
Dani