Here's my view
I think that the mess that eJ have got themselves into will only be resolved by hiring DEC's in the short term.
The likelihood is that as SFO's (and some Captains) leave for the Sandpit, the training department will quite simply not have the capacity for multiple Command courses, long line training for CTC cadets and for general new hires.
To me, it's inevitable that DEC's will be involved one way or another next year. The training needed is almost nil. And promoting an SFO will mean needing to replace him/her as well.
Like it or not.............