If you enjoy the frontline life & wish to stay there, there is only one way to go. If you want to be the chap/ess leading your sqn sausage side rather than the fella who works out the take-off spds and makes the t 'n' toast during the planning, then I reiterate, there is only one way to go. Having done it though, a word of caution, you need to be 100% committed coz its bloody hard work (not just during the cse but for the years after it).
Obviously in Beagle's world there is little need for QWI so I understand his sentiments if not agree with them. On the FJ frontline you will have a real influence on the way your Sqn operates in peacetime as well as during conflict (not PC to call'em wars).
I must admit, I haven't done CFS groundschool, but I understand that you get to use up to 4 colours of pen (including red) and also colour in the eyes of the word "LOOKOUT", sounds exciting.
If happiness is a TAC to ILS, then you belong at Linton or Valley and I hope you enjoy it. I'm sure being a QFI has its rewards, but I am of the opinion that if you are a FJ mate, and you have a choice (and few are that lucky) then sqn QWI is the best job in the world bar none.
If like aussie swingwing fella you live to trim then FJ frontline may not be the best place for you. As for getting the QFI tick so that it helps when you leave, what kind of a philosophy is that? take that to its logical conclusion and ask for a transfer Tristars (no offence meant to Tristar chaps, couldn't do it without you and all that etc etc). No offence meant to anyone as I haven't been able to eat glass and pee napalm for a while.