Centaurus,
Wouldn't ICUS hours potential be more beneficial to a FO then bashing around solo in a single engine? The whole concept to me seems like the FO does the role of captain while the captain plays first officers and mentors the FO on what he could do better. as well as being able to take over if the job gets away from the FO.
This kind of safety net Ie the capt, would allow for real world experience without diving into the pot of luck.
Or is it standard practice with ICUS that the FO basically does the FO work and just marks down ICUS in there log book? thus when getting there command they still having really gained the required experience.
* I'm a newbie trying to understand the obvious disdain for ICUS hours and cadet pilots.