Smartman,
Whilst I have no wish to argue the pros and cons with you, I am aware of one ex-R.A.F. Corporal, who attempted on numerous occasions, to gain a flying commission in the RAF and who failed out of hand (for reasons unknown to him).
He is now a senior captain with one of the largest U.S. carriers (about to retire, in fact).
Where does that place your quote "And to those who talk of not being able to climb the greasy pole on the inside but then beat their chests over having made it on the outside - sorry you didn't/couldn't make the grade".