As for aircrew shortages, we're just about getting the bums on seats so that's keeping their bluntships happy. Sadly though I know of at least one sqn that has (flt cdrs aside) no second tourist captains. Genius. Trouble is, when you pay people to leave at their 16/38 point it's a non brainer for them. FRI? No money for those. I can guarantee you they're cheaper than another smoking hole in the desert though!!
I remember raising said issue about C-130 dilution of experience to an MOD 1 star while doing my FSC at Bentley Priory in 2000 and was told it wasn't a problem as all the captains had been in the right hand seat and therefore captaincy was their second tour on type.
Aaaarrggghhh!!