Nigel. A significant proportion of cat B'd F/O's are there for reasons other than their command ability. Cx paying them bypass pay somewhat alleviates the Cx inspired vindictiveness that has delayed their command in the first place.
Unfortunately, I don't think 404's friend has read the actual words in our contract. The bypass paragraph only mentions NRA (normal retirement age). If NRA 65 is forced upon us then it's unlikely that we could enforce bypass pay to be paid for Capt's working beyond 55.