TINTIN25
"I am just sick of experienced pilots saying us low-time pilots can't fly for nuts......."
So would I be.
Good stick and rudder skills are not a top priority in an "airline" anymore, this was confirmed to me recently by the CP of a major carrier. Sure the basic IF skills have to be there but good handling is no longer a requirement. For those that don't believe me, have a look, nose or tail on, next time there is a max x-wind and watch the people who can handle an a/c near the ground? You will find some of the landing pilots haven't even a knowledge of the basics and yes I am the first to admit that long haul crews do not receive enough practise. It is difficult for some to get the minimum landings required and nothing a few hours (thousands in some cases) tailwheel time, wouldn't sort out of course.
That is the real world of modern aviation. Some of the things employers are looking for are young, sharp and clever people who are prepared to learn and grasp the FMS's (Complex in some cases) and other avionics, including the A/P. For this you need to be young, with not too many preconceived ideas, therefore the learning process is that much better and quicker. A young cadet can be molded and programmed to airline operations beginning from day one. Man kind is fast becoming the weak link in the operation of complex machinery such as aircraft. Most of the time the computer does a lot better job of it than any human.
For myself FWIW am one of the "old school". Sure I can get what I need out of the FMS's etc but am nowhere near as sharp and quick as the young people in say their late teens to early 20's.