I'd assume that they look at more than just Flight Hours. Just like any other recruitment in any other industry where there are a large number of similarly qualified candidates.
I doubt they just randomly pick the first one on the list, they will have a set criteria to work from.
And their criteria, much like Paul Gadd's, possibly includes a "preferred" upper age limit. And as in both cases such an age criterion would be considered illegal they tend not to advertise the fact. And some might even say that the similarities dont stop there for the RYR cadets that DO get selected.
