As far back as 1962 Ansett Airlines gave preference to inexperienced general aviation pilots to go straight into the RH seat of a DC3 and F27. Some of these pilots had just a CPL and 160 hours on Tiger Moths or similar with no twin time. Certainly many did not hold instrument ratings.
RAAF pilots anxious to get an airline job were frowned upon by Ansett management for no good reason except they preferred inexperienced young pilots and placed the burden of training these pilots on the captains. But in those days the airlines paid for all training including type ratings.
Point being, inexperienced copilots sat in the RH seat. So things haven't changed really. The name of the captain and copilot were placed in a prominent position so passengers could see the names. Of course, like now, the passengers wouldn't have a clue of the experience level of the second in command. Maybe where ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise..