Unfortunately, the answer is yes they can hold their own - ever fronted up a stroppy Army WO? even worse and American WO 1/2/3/4/5 who hold Officer Status – we normally follow the US so why be different this time
It works and the bean counters have, and are looking at it. If the Army failed - the RAF might have and argument but they are not flying an aircraft that has, and is by the RAF, thought of in the same way as the Harrier.
5 SO2s in a flight is very expensive and it does happen. I do think this may be more appropriate to the RW fraternity; in the short term anyway.
Just out of interest - how would a junior Flt Lt do when confronted with a stroppy Wng Comd 200 miles around the other side of the world - pull the Aircraft Captain card like any Army WO maybe or get help from the MALM?