CC- Not sure who Cookie is but there would probably be a reason why he doesn't have a Command yet. There are unfilled Q numbers below me and so his seniority number should not be a factor. Jetstar only insists on the resignation when you become a Captain. As my post said its idealism over pragmatism if you want a Command but can't stand the thought of floating free from the mothership, the same choice applies for paying for the rating.
You don't have to pay for any rating and you can earn good money on good conditions in Qantas but if you want a shot at the LHS you have to have time on your side. At Jetstar while the money and conditions are not as good, the time factor- at the moment-is favourable.
Aviation has demonstrated repeatedly that the window of opportunity can in fact be a career guillotine if you don't get through it in time.