Cronus - Ego? No. What I said is a fact. No way someone with 4000+ hours and P1 time would join as a cruise pilot which is what I understand a second officer to be in CX.
"The primary functions of the Second Officer are to act as a cruise relief pilot, to monitor all facets of the operation and to support the crew." - direct from Cathay career website.
I have the book which helps you with the selection process and I have seen the pay scales. I belive I would join on the "O" scale which was not as competitive as I would have thought..
Badairsucker - There are minimum requirements which I meet. I was providing and opinion to the wizard chap who does not like people like myself joining as Defo, which I understand why.