Couldn't agree with you more Kap M. The quickest way to ruin any unity and morale amongst a flight crew group is to promote people thru the group that don't have "the next shot at the title". Seniority gives you a "shot" at the position to be filled. Doesn't guarantee you though. You still have to endure the training and the subsequent checks. If you don't make the grade then the next guy/gal gets a crack at it.
IMHO it is the only way to go. And nothing pleases me more than seeing some brown-noser, who's only agenda is to jump the seniority in the company, get looked over for promotion despite his @rselicking efforts. Maketh me smile and gives all the crew faith in the system. Most employers would argue that it's costly but at the end of the day you have a content (if thats possible) flight crew group that know exactly where they stand in the pecking order.
Onya