Yes, a 3 year, or 1 year "new joiner" S/O should get the base before any outside hires.
Experience - Not our problem. CX hired them, and will train them in our well respected training machine.
If no eligible crew bid, the the spot should remain vacant until the next most senior person elects to bid for the base at a time of his choosing.
If the base remains vacant, that means the pay for the base is insufficient and should be increased to an amount that will attract someone to fill that position.
At no point should DEFOs or DECs ever be hired onto a base.
To hire any direct entry pilot undermines seniority, and the terms and conditions for the current, and future employees on said base.