This is one of the worst aspects of working in aviation. It makes no sense for an experienced pilot to be below an inexperienced one when it comes to a shot at command, no matter when they joined a particular company. Promotion should be on merit, not length of service.
Very true, but sadly there is not a great deal you can do about it and it won't change. Being employed in times like these is often something to be thankful for, irrespective of what seat you are in.
(That is coming from someone who is in the left seat and is facing the potential prospect of ending up in the right to get a job back in the UK when things pick up!
)