I personally think the S/O system works well in Qantas (although I was only a S/O for 18 months). It gives you a chance to enjoy the lifestyle as a S/O, learn the SOPs and manuals before doing what is really, quite a simple promotion to F/O. I think being a S/O is what you make of it. You can sit back and get lazy or you can get involved, ask questions and learn the operation.