There is no right or wrong opinion here but a Civilian get a CPL at 150 hrs!!!! Even the lowliest Army Cpl gets 200hrs before promotion and a very low brow pilot’s job (oh and no CPL - yet - watch this space!!!). If he can be seen as suitable and pass all the hurdles (same as the RAF and Navy) he will command and get promoted.
By the time he has 500hrs he is looked at for Command - similar to an RAF Flt Lt if up to it. Having seen all 3 sides/colours of our trade - there isn’t much difference.
My point still is that in the long run Sgts will not Command the last RAF station still standing (even if they think they doo) but could easily, after a very long and distinguished creer, fly the last plane having cost a lot less to the bean counters/NAO.
Enough Officers will continue past their 16 yr point and if more GD guys and Girls get the AOC slots, why have Commissioned aircrew at all?? We may all be forced to be sensible and protect the present and future capability not the tradition and past.