Tinee,
In 2010 a 777 FO was starting command course just before they had completed 3yrs in the company. Today guys are approaching 4yrs with no course date. Did you read Capt Smiffy's post? He joined 6yrs ago. Looks like 7.5 to 8yrs for him. Unfortunately he is not on his pat Malone.
It would seem that the predictions from the past aren't too far away from reality.
The don