Devils Martini
Unfortunatly you are talking mostly rubbish with the odd smattering of half truth.
The Airbus recrutment has been largly based on time served with points deduted for "no shows" sickness etc.
Your theory about career advancment via the CP's Bckside (your words not mine) don't hold much water, the first time I had ever talked to the guy was when he phoned me to to ask if I would like to go on the Airbus so I had little chance to put your theory to the test!
The dual MAN-EMA base is optional and only avalable to those who want it, so for some it is seen as an advantage and for the others it is no change in working practices.
The whole business is going through hard times and all airline managments are trying to cut costs, for you this is penny pinching for all the airline bosses in the world it would be seen as prudent financal management.
XL is not a bed of roses but after 5 airlines I have found it to be the most pleasent place to work with a very approachable pilot management, it has its problems, the pay is not the best and the roster can be a bit erratic but on balance its a lot better than just OK. Some who have left are have found life with other airlines unsatisfactory an are wishing that they could zoom back to XL.
I would guess that you are one of the ex-AAE 767 guys that could find nothing right with XL, I'm pleased that you have found a "better "job
and we are better off without someone who is unhappy to work with us.