Some very insightful thoughts here. Thanks everyone, though I have to say that you're not making my potential decision any easier!
I can certainly appreciate the benefit of an experienced captain downroute. My recently retired Dad certainly showed me the sights in BKK and HKG. (And
then I decided I wanted to be an airline pilot
)
Keep 'em coming.
(By the way NSF - I recently had the pleasure of flying with someone matching the description of the chap in your first paragraph. It was certainly interesting to get his take on the matter.)