EGO not, ability and attitude YES!!!!
Meguro, you speak confidently about this subject, as if you are in AJX/V but then you ask for input from guys about renewals etc. Are you one of us or a outsider who is stirring the pot.
The western ego has been around since AJX started hiring western pilots in 2001. Your assertion that the ego is to blame for the failure rate is a crock of s%^t. These problems were there then but the failure rate was a lot lower than it is now.
Possibly the failure rate is because the package is so poor compared to those offered by established, reputable airlines worldwide that the average standard of applicant has slipped and they just can't make the grade now.
In the past the majority of pilots were sourced from well established, large airlines with a well well-entrenched discipline and adherence to procedures.
Another factor contributing to the failure rate is the fact that ANA has outsourced training to Alteon using foreign instructors. Now, as has been mentioned, Planet-Japan has a very different way of doing things and these poor guys were thrown in the deep end not being familiar with this. The Japanese have NO clue of what goes on outside Japan, so did not know that they would do things differently. Throw in some internal politics and the mix is volatile.
I would agree with you, the average standard of the Japanese pilots, themselves is pretty mediocre, they're not the Chuck Yeager's they think they are.