So why the Classic first?
I hear ya about the seniority issue, good argument on both sides. I believe a fair compromise would be to let the FE's hold their seniority but they would not be eligible for Captain upgrade until they had 3-4000 hrs in the RT seat.
But why must they go to the classic first? Is it because they can't do IRO duty on the 744? I don't believe there is any other stipulation in the FAR's that require a ATP type other than IRO duty? Any enlightenment would be greatly appreciated.