Would there have been a human factors issue in which the Captain might have taken his rest during the critical period because he could/could not effectively exercise his seniority?
Fear not, I'll hold my fire
)
It is common to have a less experienced Captain than his F/O. When you move from short haul to long haul you get to fly with more experienced F/O's on the type and on the network. You're not a yearling either. Usually, you will have spent 7/8 years as a long F/O before upgrading for command on short haul.
In the 447 case, the captain came from the former domestic carrier Air Inter and could only access long haul rather late in his carrier. Commenting on this would get me to shot on site so I'll pass. Thanks a bunch.
By no mean is it a problem to exercise your seniority and if he chose ( which we don't know ) to go and take his brake before the accident occured, this was entirely his decision.