OB,
I have no idea whether this is true or not but if it is then I bet I know the answer too. Whether you, or I, or anyone else likes it we are short of officers and almost fully recruited in NCO pilots. Basic economics dictate, therefore, that where the demand is high and the supply short then the price will be paid. And in this case that means that DAAvn is looking to buy officers and not NCOs. However harsh that might sound the realities of what we are short of will prevail. When we find ourselves over-recruited in officers and short of NCOs then the shoe will be on the other foot but until then you can hardly be surprised.