That's all true SC but most courses are scheduled months in advance. Your analogy is correct in that the GS course is like the number 8 bus going past.
I also agree with your statement about the majority of management pilots. The pilots I was always suspicious of were those who made a big noise in the Union then at the first opportunity went to management and those who made a big noise about wanting "Their Command!"and taking the first management spot that came along without wanting to spend much actual time in the LHS.