We are checked for competence several times per year - more than any other profession - so ample opportunity exists to dismiss those to whom you refer.
Good point, I will rephrase........
What if the person involved is a complete d1ckhead.
To be fair I was speaking more in general terms than purely aviation (sorry for not making that clear). Surely just having a decision made on seniority doesn't necessarily mean that they are keeping the best people for the job. Don't get me wrong I am against age discrimination, but I am all for the best people being in place to do the job which doesn't always mean the person who has been there the longest.
Cor blimey.....it's a minefield innit