Lets face it, apart from AEO's making tactical descisions, most commisioned rearcrew do exactly the same job as thier lowly Sgt's, be it on SH, AT or SAR. There are even some Spec Aircrew Sqn Ldrs on doing the same job.
But hey, if giving them the FRI saves them face in the bar and makes it politically correct for the policy makers, who are we to complain!!!