"Can't really see the drama - after all, they put guys straight out of training into the RHS of 73's and Airbus with a CPL/IR. . . ."
Which is also a bad idea. What pilot do we want? A switch operator trained from youth on? Or the classic "seasoned" aviator? Difficult to have both. 6 - 8 legs/day in a turboprop provides more raw experience in 6 months than a comparable 4 years flying long legs in a large jet, spending time on reserve, and flying a comfortable schedule. Since I was hired into my Airbus I have forgotten so much about flying that it's scary. How does one build airmanship in a scenario where most experienced pilots face continually ebbing skills and knowledge?