I wouldn't go quite as far as to compare an aircraft to a loaded pistol although there are people out there who fly who would be safer and more productive stuffed in a wax works display playing Russian roulette. ( I'll pass on the origins of that fascinating little gambling pastime some other time.) But who would you want on a dark and stormy morning beside you in the cockpit, a family member or a complete wally (excuse the pun) of a stranger? At least with the family guy you can smack him on the back of the head when he gets it wrong and make rude speeches about his lack of flying ability either at his wedding or the next Christmas bash. Nepotism is a great institution. It brings a degree of certainty and a quality of stability of character guided by potential retribution to an otherwise unruly recruitment business. The only ones who rant against it are those who have not so far received its benefits.