Calypso
I take it from your post that your present employer does not use a seniority list.. If that's the case, is it better and is it as straight forward now to get leave/gdos/trips as it was in your last company? and can you genuinely know when you 'll get your command (in relation to your colleagues) ?
I do agree that the recruitment of direct entry captains undermines the whole system as far as promotions are concerned and should have been avoided at all cost..