Any truth to the rumor of short course (4 week) cadets being told they'll get a rapid upgrade to JF/O as a deal sweetener? CX is severly short on applications for the short course.
If true, 30 week and 60 week cadets can expect even longer at S/O, 7yrs, 8 who knows?
The other possibility is, suitable short course cadets will be told of the rapid upgrade in the interview but having joined and satisfied CX need for S/Os in the short term, will learn 18 months later approaching the so called upgrade time that for unforeseen circumstances you can't upgrade due to possible industrial action re jumping the seniority list or other factors.
Remember what happened to the instructor cadets, they were told expat terms but that offer was later rescinded!