The thing is, Nicholas Nickle
Unlike any other profession you care to mention, we are paid NOT to be original. In fact, we are paid to be very much the same - repetitious, boring and predictable. The safety of generations of accumulated wisdom, passed on down the line.
That is why the best vehicle for promotion is consistency and ability in the sim, and seniority. It helps discourage the smart-@rses trying something unpredictable. No old bold pilots, as they say.
Your first post - I know - but 1 out of 10 for knowing your subject.