Trent,
The Qantas guys are continually lowering themselves to goose level with their irrational Jetstar conspiracy theories. It's obsessive group think.
Bottom line, Joyce is managing the company as per the direction of the chairman and board. Obviously he has their full support or else he wouldn't be there.
It may not be great for the staff, but in order for the company to survive there needs to be some fundamental changes in the structure of the company.
Ansett was a great place to work with wonderful remuneration for all concerned. It's not here anymore because no one got rid of the baggage. You can blame ANZ yes, but the company would still be around if it were viable. ANZ also needed a restructure. Now look at them.
On the SO experience levels, yes there is a varied mix and I was playing devils advocate. However there is a similar mix in Jetstar. They are not all pimple faced dreamers fresh out of high school. The program is hugely competitive and the young ones tend to be pretty bright. If you want to fly an airliner for a living and get into a seniority system it's not a bad place to be.