R21: Old record and not even a new tune.
They did compete against their peers, they put their head above the parapet, applied for and got a commission, (or at least a place at IOT, which for any NCA with the right attitude is a forgone sucessfull conclusion).
Yes they struck lucky; not the first and I doubt the last, who cares. Like all former airmen/SNCO they will either be awesome in their new career or oxygen thieves because experience suggests that few are simply average shags. Lets just hope that they are up to the job and are able to balance career and new responsibilities (to their subordinates) without being a tit.