It's an archaic and silly system. Thats why every other profession uses a meritocracy. Mind you I would love to see a similar system introduced for professional footballers. I can just imagine Alex Ferguson explaining to his record signings,( Veron and Van Nistelrooy)that they must clean the players boots to start with but if they wait long enough they will eventually get a game.
Easyjet seem to do OK without a seniority based system. No complaints from anyone I know who is there.
Harry
p.s . I have only been pruning for 8 months, am I senior enough to have an opinion or do I need to do my time?