Good post Knee Trembler!
I'm in similar situation (but im FO going to SO) and having a tough time deciding if it's worth going...
Spoken to current guys there (FO and SO) and it seems CX "glory" days are far behind them... Word is it all started going down before the whole "49ers"...No pay rise, company morale low etc
Going from an FO to SO for 3 years doesnt really float my boat. Plus that salary doesnt really get you a good enough place for the first few years...
b. What is the cockpit climate like? 'Girls and cars', or 'Met Theory according to the left seat'.
I think you will find its it's the latter...